Latest news with #WorldOralHealthDay
Zawya
23-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Angola: Strengthen preventive care to promote oral health
In a vibrant celebration to mark World Oral Health Day, March 20, the Angolan Ministry of Health brought together specialists, health professionals, and members of civil society, academia, and the private sector at the Chimbicato Maternal and Child Center in Luanda to assess the current state of oral health and reinforce strategies for prevention and access to dental care. The Secretary of State for Public Health, Dr. Carlos Alberto Pinto de Sousa, opened the session with a call for oral health to be included on the national public health agenda. 'We want oral health to stop being neglected in health care. We must, therefore, continue to strengthen public policies, train professionals, and make the population aware of the importance of oral health care,' he said. Oral health is a fundamental element of general health, affecting not only an individual's ability to eat and communicate but also their mental health and social integration. However, it remains an area often neglected in public health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where access to dental care is limited and treatment costs are high. According to data from The World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations. Tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can lead to serious complications, including systemic infections, nutritional difficulties, and even impacts on economic income and productivity. In the African Region, in particular, data shows that in 2021, around 42% of the population was affected by oral diseases, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These figures reflect the scarcity of dental services and the lack of effective prevention programs. 'Oral diseases share common risk factors with other non-communicable diseases, such as excessive sugar consumption, smoking, and alcohol use. The WHO is committed to supporting Angola in implementing policies that guarantee an integrated and sustainable response,' said Dr. Fernanda Alves, head of the WHO's department of communicable and non-communicable diseases in Angola. The World Oral Health Day event in Angola included a panel discussion in which experts highlighted the importance of oral health during pregnancy, the training of professionals, and the inclusion of oral health services in primary care. 'I never imagined how important it is to care for oral health until I saw my son suffering from toothache. Unfortunately, when we went to the dentist, it was too late, and he had to remove the tooth. Now, we're following the recommended treatment, and we've learned the importance of adopting daily hygiene and prevention habits to prevent this from happening again,' said Maria José, mother of Paulo Machinde, who was treated during the free screening and distribution of oral hygiene kits held at the maternal and child center of Chimbicato. The theme chosen for this year, 'A happy mouth contributes to a happy mind,' underlines the importance of oral health for physical and mental well-being, reinforcing the need to strengthen preventive care and improve access to oral health services. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Angola.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Marks World Oral Health Day with Launch of Community Oral Health Department at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mosoriot
Kenya today marked World Oral Health Day by reinforcing its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare, highlighted by the launch of the Community Oral Health Department at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mosoriot. Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, and other senior officials, underscored the importance of oral health in overall well-being. She highlighted that conditions such as gum disease and dental caries remain widespread, significantly contributing to major non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular complications. She called for greater investment in prevention, education, and expanded access to oral healthcare services. Representing Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, Dr. Barasa urged Kenyans to prioritize oral hygiene, encouraged healthcare professionals to advocate for better oral health, and called on stakeholders to invest in oral healthcare as part of Universal Health Coverage. She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to ensuring accessible and high-quality oral health services for all. The launch of the Community Oral Health Department at KMTC Mosoriot marks a major milestone in building Kenya's oral healthcare workforce. As only the second training center of its kind after KMTC Nairobi, the facility will enhance service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This initiative aligns with Kenya's National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026, which focuses on strengthening governance, expanding community-based interventions, increasing access to services, encouraging research for evidence-based policies, and fostering public-private partnerships to improve service delivery. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Reaffirms Commitment to Oral Health During World Oral Health Day 2025 Celebrations in Makueni
Kenya on Thursday joined the global community in marking World Oral Health Day, with national celebrations held at Nduluku Comprehensive School in Makueni County. The event, themed 'A Happy Mouth Is… A Happy Mind,' highlighted the critical link between oral health, mental wellness, and overall quality of life. Dr. Rebecca Kiptui, Acting Director for Curative and Nursing Services, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Medical Services. In her speech, she underscored the urgent need to prioritize oral health within the country's universal health coverage (UHC) agenda. 'Oral health is more than just a healthy smile—it is essential to physical, mental, and social well-being,' said Dr. Kiptui, noting that poor oral health can have far-reaching consequences, including systemic diseases and reduced productivity. Data from the 2015 National Oral Health Survey revealed that 98.1% of Kenyan adults suffer from gum disease, while 46.3% of five-year-olds have tooth decay. The country also continues to record a rise in dental fluorosis, affecting over 41% of children—mainly due to increased reliance on borehole water. Despite these concerning statistics, the availability of oral health services remains low. The 2023 Kenya Health Facility Census showed that only 13% of facilities provide oral health services, with significant gaps in rural and primary healthcare settings. The current dentist-to-population ratio stands at 0.27 per 10,000, well below the World Health Organization recommendation. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these challenges through the Kenya National Oral Health Policy 2022–2030 and the accompanying Strategic Plan (2022–2026). Counties were urged to appoint County Dentists to lead oral health coordination and to integrate oral health priorities into their planning and budgeting frameworks. Dr. Kiptui also announced that the Ministry is reviewing the oral health benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure that Kenyans can access essential services under UHC. 'As we work towards the realization of UHC, we must ensure no one is left behind—including those in need of quality oral healthcare,' she emphasized. The event brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Makueni County Government, Kenya Defence Forces, development partners, and the wider health community. Participants were encouraged to take personal responsibility for their oral hygiene and mental health, in line with the day's theme. The national observance served as a platform to reaffirm cross-sectoral collaboration in tackling oral health challenges and ensuring equitable access to care for all Kenyans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Associated Press
20-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
A Happy Mouth Is a Happy Mind: FDI World Dental Federation features new song to raise awareness of the link between oral health and mental well-being.
GENEVA, March 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- How does oral health affect mental well-being? This World Oral Health Day (WOHD), the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) aims to answer that question with a catchy new song, now available on all streaming platforms. The song invites people worldwide to sing along and raise awareness about the powerful connection between oral health and mental well-being. The WOHD campaign continues its three-year 'A Happy Mouth Is...' theme , shifting from the mouth-body connection in 2024 to the mouth-mind connection in 2025, encapsulated in the tagline, 'A Happy Mouth Is a Happy Mind.' This year's theme emphasizes that caring for the oral cavity not only supports overall health but also boosts self-esteem, enhances confidence, and improves quality of life. The heart of the campaign is its lively new anthem and an accompanying video , featuring Toothie , FDI's beloved oral health mascot. The song is designed to inspire people worldwide—from individuals to communities and policymakers—to prioritize oral health. After all, everyone deserves a healthy mouth, free from oral disease. 'Oral health is a right, not a privilege,' says FDI President Dr Greg Chadwick. 'Yet, for many people around the world, access to essential dental care remains out of reach. Despite progress, oral health inequalities persist globally. Many underprivileged communities and vulnerable groups face significant barriers to accessing affordable, quality dental care, leaving them at greater risk of preventable diseases. As oral health is a key pillar of universal health coverage, FDI continues to advocate for comprehensive and inclusive healthcare policies.'' In this context, WOHD serves as a powerful opportunity to unite and amplify voices, urging governments to take decisive action. 'That is why we are incredibly proud to partner with organizations like Haleon , Dentsply Sirona , Solventum , and Smile Train ,' continues Dr Chadwick. 'Through these collaborations, we extend our reach, raise awareness, and empower individuals to take control of their oral health. Together, we can reduce the global burden of oral disease and improve access to quality oral health.' This year, FDI has also launched a Call for Stories , inviting people from around the world to share personal and community experiences or initiatives about how oral health has transformed their lives. Leading by example, partners have started sharing theirs. ''It is by amplifying real voices that we aim to inspire action and drive meaningful change. Because at the end of the day, it's by hearing those stories that we can connect with people and enact meaningful change,' says Dr Anna Lella, WOHD Working Group Chair. This World Oral Health Day, let's unite, take action, and spread the message that oral health matters. Share the song, share your story , and help us create a world where everyone can enjoy the benefits of a happy, healthy mouth. - Picture is available at AP - Media contact Chaz Jagait, FDI Communications and Advocacy Director Mob.: +41 79 796 76 13 Email: [email protected] About World Oral Health Day Celebrated annually on 20 March, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) was launched by FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention and control of oral diseases. ; #WOHD25 #HappyMouth ; @worldoralhealthday ; @Toothiebeaver Video - Logo - SOURCE FDI World Dental Federation
Korea Herald
19-03-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
P&G's Oral-B partners with Listerine to promote oral health
Every year March 20 marks World Oral Health Day, an annual event led by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and promote oral hygiene and overall well-being. This year's theme, 'A Happy Mouth is A Happy Mind," highlights the connection between oral health and mental well-being, expanding on last year's focus on the mouth-body relationship. To help consumers manage plaque effectively, P&G Korea's Oral-B and Listerine have launched the 'Perfect Oral Care Combination' promotion, which is available at over 100 Emart stores nationwide until April 3. The promotion features a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Oral-B toothbrushes, including the Cross Action and Ultra-Thin models, as well as Listerine Total Care mouthwash in both regular and mild types. 'We hope this initiative raises greater awareness of plaque prevention and encourages more people to adopt better oral hygiene routines,' a P&G official said. One of the most crucial steps in maintaining good oral health is removing dental plaque. If not properly managed, plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease, making regular dental check-ups and daily oral care essential. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting nearly 3.5 billion people.
