By Antynet Ford
In commemoration of World Oral Health Day, GSK Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to provide oral health care education to over 400,000 Kenyans by the end of the year.
To kickstart this initiative, over 100 dental clinics across Kenya will offer free dental checkups from March 20th to April 20th, 2024.
World Oral Health Day, observed annually on March 20th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and its impact on overall health.
This year, GSK stands alongside dental professionals in championing the cause through collaborative efforts to enhance dental care in Kenya.
Mark Pfister, Haleon Sub Saharan (SSA) Africa General Manager, said:
“Oral health is integral to overall well-being, and we believe that a united front is essential in addressing the oral health challenges faced by many Kenyans. By forging partnerships with dental associations and government bodies, we can implement comprehensive strategies to improve dental care accessibility and awareness.”
From his part, Dr. Tim Theuri, KDA President, said
“Collaborative partnerships are instrumental in propelling oral health forward through encouraging cooperation among industry players, healthcare professionals, and local communities.
This synergy fuels innovation, widens the reach of dental care, and leads to enhanced oral health results globally.
The Kenya Dental Association eagerly anticipates the collaboration with Haleon and the positive impact it will have on the oral health landscape in Kenya”.
According to the Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026 by the Ministry of Health (MOH), all adults in Kenya have at least one dental problem requiring medical attention.
However, only a small proportion of Kenyans seek dental treatment, primarily when they have tooth pain or discomfort.
MOH attributes this to a lack of awareness, financial constraints, and low access due to distance to the health facility while a small number still regard oral checkups as unimportant.
With this year’s theme, ‘A happy mouth is a happy body’, Kenyans are encouraged to take pride in their oral health.
This can be done by fostering a culture of regular dental check-ups, adopting proper oral hygiene practices, and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health.