FG Reaffirms Commitment to Oral Healthcare as Nigeria Marks 2026 World Oral Health Day
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to strengthening policies and programmes aimed at improving oral healthcare across the country, as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Oral Health Day.
Speaking at the commemorative event themed “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed the need for increased awareness and adoption of proper oral hygiene practices as a cornerstone of overall wellbeing.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Abisola S. Adegoke, the Minister according to a press release e-signed by tdescribed the day as a crucial reminder of the importance of daily oral care habits. He noted that oral diseases continue to pose significant challenges, affecting children’s growth, adult productivity, and national development.
He disclosed that the Ministry has taken concrete steps to address the situation, stating that “oral healthcare has been integrated into our primary healthcare services, expanding access to affordable dental care and bringing education, prevention and basic care closer to communities.”
Highlighting ongoing interventions, the Minister added that “community healthcare workers are trained to identify and refer severe oral health conditions like noma and cleft lip/palate, while school-based programmes and community outreach initiatives are promoting simple oral health habits to prevent dental diseases.”
He further revealed that the government is collaborating with key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Noma AIDS Nigeria Initiative, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to tackle neglected oral health conditions. He also commended the Nigerian Dental Association for reaching over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory through its outreach programmes.
According to him, “the aim this year is to reach three million citizens with education, care and hope,” adding that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and expand oral health education in schools and communities.
Reiterating government’s resolve, the Minister emphasized that Nigerians should not suffer from preventable oral diseases, urging citizens to adopt simple preventive measures such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco, and visiting dental clinics regularly.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Dental Division, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, underscored the importance of oral health as an integral part of general wellbeing. She noted that many oral diseases are preventable but often neglected until they become severe.
She said, “common dental diseases are preventable only if we take shared responsibility to promote healthy habits and preventive care,” while appreciating the participation of students, teachers, and parents in promoting oral health awareness.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe, described the theme as a reminder that oral care goes beyond disease prevention to enhancing quality of life. He urged students to take the message seriously and share it widely.
The event featured expert presentations, a students’ awareness march, and an oratory competition. Army Day Secondary School, Abuja, emerged overall winner, clinching a cash prize of N100,000, while Command Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, Abuja, and Stem Child Care Academy secured second and third positions respectively.
The commemoration concluded with renewed calls for collective action among government, stakeholders, and citizens to promote better oral health outcomes nationwide.
