World Oral Health Day: Oyo Govt, NDA Call For More Awareness of Oral Health Care Services

… Offers free dental care services for students in Ibadan

Oyo state government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Oyo State, have raised awareness on issues surrounding oral health as part of the activities marking 2023 World Oral Health Day in the state .
Oyo State commissioner for health, Dr Bode Ladipo, while speaking at the event , held at the Saint Michael Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan, harped on the need to promote oral hygiene particularly among the students .
The Commissioner ,who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary,Dr Olusoji Adeyanju, said that the celebration is an opportunity to raise health awareness and to inform the public about the importance of their oral health.
He explained that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages without the associated morbidities.
He said: “It is with great pleasure that I join the global community to commemorate Oral Health Day today.”
“The day is significant as it conveys the message of action for global oral health care.” Oral diseases are largely preventable but a major health burden for many people, who may be affected by them through pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death.”
“This celebration is an opportunity to raise health awareness and to inform the public about the importance of our oral health and the fact that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages without the associated morbidities.”
“The WHO Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) estimates close to 3.5 billion people worldwide, with 3 out of 4 people affected in middle income countries. This has made oral health a focus in the free health care of the 33 local government areas of the state under the current administration. Free services are provided during this medical outreach, and members of the community, young and old, should take advantage of these quarterly activities.”

“Today, as we commemorate oral health day in collaboration with the Nigeria Dental Association, we are offering free health services for students across Ibadan over the course of a week. This is due to the fact that poor oral health affects children’s quality of life and their performance at school throughout their lives. Cavities are preventable, and ensuring that students have the preventable oral health services they need helps them stay healthy and assimilate naturally.
“It is therefore desirable for all stakeholders to support the burden of preventable oral health disease through oral health education, as they are doing today both in school and in the different local government areas across the state.”

“Efforts of stakeholders, especially the NDA, are noted and have been made across the state. Oral care commodities will be distributed.
” Finally, I wish all a great celebration as we create awareness about this health issue.”

Earlier, the chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Fechi Nkowocha, said the World Oral Health Day is a day set aside by the World Dental Federation (FDI) to create awareness for good oral health, increase awareness on the prevention and control of oral disease, and bring oral health and oral health-related issues into focus on a global scale.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Be Proud of Your Mouth—For a Lifetime of Smiles,”

She explained that the celebration is important to remind people that the mouth is part of the body and as such should be properly cared for to bring about a completely healthy body.

“To achieve this feat of optimal oral health, all hands must be on deck, as individuals, parents, teachers, caregivers, health care providers, policy makers, governments and non-governmental organizations must collaborate to produce a healthy and productive population.”

In her remarks, the Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health , Oyo State, Dr Olubunmi Ayinde, while appreciating partner and stakeholders in health sector, explained that governor Makinde led administration has delivered comprehensive and quality Health Care service to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

She commended all the development partners such as NDA as well as stakeholders that have been collaborating with the ministry in order to have robust Health care service delivery.