A paediatrician, Dr. Titilayo Kayode-Alabi, has reiterated the importance of the Japanese Kaizen structure model to improve the general health and wellbeing of children.
Dr. Kayode-Alabi, spoke on the importance of the Kaizen 5S model in children’s wellbeing in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
The Kaizen’s 5S model, is a Japanese framework for improvement built on Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.
While sighting her illustration titled , ‘From Messy to Marvellous’, which explains adoption of structure in homes across Nigeria, the paediatrician noted that the aim is not just to promote health and wellness, but to spark a mindset of responsibility and mindfulness in children.
She said “Children flourish in structure, when they learn to create order in their space, they also learn to think clearly and act responsibly.”
“Structure and organisation directly affect a child’s safety and wellbeing at home, for example, a tidy home reduces the risk of accidents like tripping over objects, spilling hot water, or mistakenly drinking harmful substances like kerosene.”
“Order and structure in the home supports children’s mental and emotional well being- when things are in order, children focus better and feel calmer.
These attributes have been associated with social and emotional well being,” the expert said.
According to Dr. Kayode-Alabi, many Nigerians already practise Kaizen without calling it that. “By sorting household or work items, keeping only what is useful, and maintaining tidy spaces Nigerians are actually practicing Kaizen.”
“In hospitals, this can mean organising our workspaces for easy access to essential tools, ensuring that unused items do not clutter critical areas, and establishing protocols that support preventive maintenance.
All these support efficiency, safety of both patients and staff, and improved patient outcome.”
“At home, adopting Kaizen could mean creating simple, consistent routines at home. It involves assigning places for toys and school materials, regularly decluttering the house, or assigning places for household utensils and chemicals, to maintain a safe, healthy environment,” Kayode-Alabi said.
She also encouraged the adoption of the Kaizen model from principle to policy across the country.
“The adoption of the Kaizen is very feasible, while it may not be a familiar term to many, its core ideas; organisation, continuous improvement, and safety—are already reflected in many existing practices.
“What is needed is structure: setting clear protocols and encouraging accountability,” she added.
Reporting by Olusegun Haastrup