The Oyo State government has partnered with Rotary Club and other non-governmental organisations, NGOs, to provide free dental healthcare intervention for children in public primary schools in the state.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Taiwo Ladipo, the intervention and awareness campaign, which was held in 15 primary schools across local governments in Ibadan and Oyo town, was meant to improve the dental health care of the children.
Other establishments who joined in the campaign include, Fortune Health Plus, Procter and Gamble and Nigerian Dental Association.
Dr. Ladipo, who said that the project was tagged ‘Oyo State Dental Health Mission,’ also enjoined individuals to embrace dental hygiene to prevent the emergence of oral health related diseases.
The commissioner, who identified negligence as one of the factors responsible for dental diseases, submitted that issues of dental health deserve more attention in the society.
He said, “Dental health, oral health is social health. Majority of us do not visit specialists for treatment, this is negligence on our parts.
“Everyone is expected to do what is necessary by going for checks occasionally, as failure to embrace dental hygiene could lead to infections, cancer and odour.”
Also, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OyoSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, enjoined relevant stakeholders to work together as a team in creating awareness about oral hygiene.
Represented at the campaign by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Adeniyi Olusoji Joel, the chairman urged stakeholders to intensify awareness on the importance of oral hygiene, especially in primary schools, adding that this will reduce the incidence of oral health diseases.
The President, Oyo Rotary club, Rotarian Samuel Kolawole, and Dr. Soji Ijidale of Fortune Health Plus, said that the collaboration was to help improve oral hygiene in the state.
The duo also promised the state government and other stakeholders continuous support to further increase awareness on dental health in various communities.
The event also featured distribution of toothpaste and toothbrush to pupils, dental examination, oral hygiene instructions amongst others.
