(SINL NIGERIA) The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policies and programmes that will improve and promote oral healthcare across Nigeria.
This comes as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Oral Health Day.
Speaking during the commemoration ceremony with the theme: ‘A happy mouth is a happy life’ the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako described the event as a reminder of the importance of adopting simple daily oral healthcare practices and raising awareness of its role in overall wellbeing.
Represented by the Director Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke the Minister said that Oral disease has been a challenge that have impacted negatively on children’s growth, adult productivity and nation’s progress.
He announced that the Ministry “has integrated oral healthcare into our primary healthcare services, expanded access to affordable dental care, providing education, prevention and basic care closer to communities”.
“Community healthcare workers are trained to identify and refer severe oral health conditions like noma and cleft lip/plate. We have school base oral health and community outreach programmes to promote simple oral health habits and prevent dental diseases”.
According to the Minister, government is synergizing with development partners, non government organisations and international bodies which includes WHO, Noma AIDS Nigeria Initiative and Medecene San Frontiers (MSF) to tackle neglected diseases.
Complimenting the Nigeria Dental Association for its health outreach initiatives that have benefited over 2.4 million Nigerians and across more than 20 states and Federal Capital Territory, he stressed that “the aim of this year is “to reach three million citizens with education, care and hope”.
The Minister disclosed that memorandum of understanding has been signed with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) on basic oral healthcare and education in schools and community, adding that government is determined that Nigerians would not suffer silently from preventable oral diseases.
He emphasized that improving oral health is a collective responsibility urging parents, teachers, healthcare workers and providers to educate Nigerians on oral healthcare involving brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco and regular dental visits.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom represented by Director, Dental Division, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe said that the event underscores the importance of oral health as part of overall wellbeing.
She stated that most preventable oral diseases are often neglected until it becomes a burden to manage noting that “common dental diseases are preventable only if we take shared responsibility to promote healthy habits and preventive care.
Daju acknowledged the steadfast commitment and contribution of the partners, stakeholders, agencies and associations to invaluable health initiatives, adding that the Ministry remains resolute in its mission to improve and strengthen oral health outcomes.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa represented by Head of Clinics, Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe said that this year’s theme reminds us that caring for our mouths is beyond disease prevention as it’s enhances quality of life.
Applauding the efforts of the organisers, he urged the students to take the message of oral health seriously and share it with others as educating the youths lays the foundation for a healthier future society.
The event featured presentation on oral health, student’s awareness march and oratory competition.
Army Day Secondary School, Abuja emerged winner of the competition, receiving cash prize of One Hundred Thousand (N100,000) Naira, Command Secondary School Lungi Barracks, Abuja occupied the second position with Eighty Thousand (N80,000) Naira, the 2nd runner up, Stem Child Care Academy received Fifty Thousand (N50,000 ) Naira Only; while other participants in the competition received consolations prizes.
