As part of the World Oral Health Day, Pepsodent, in collaboration with the Nigeria Dental Association (NDA), plans to educate three million Nigerians on oral health this year.

The initiative aims to exceed the 2.4 million individuals reached last year, and in collaboration with the association, the firm plans to activate dental camps across 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including five locations in the South-West, eight in the East, and seven in the North.

The selected states include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo (Ibadan), Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Enugu, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, and the FCT. Additionally, Pepsodent will provide oral health education and screenings for 30,000 pupils across 50 schools in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference, Pepsodent Brand Manager, Mary Akindola, emphasised the importance of instilling proper oral hygiene habits among children by ensuring they brush their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes.

She reiterated that the firm’s mission is to drive behavioural change among Nigerians, making twice-daily brushing a universal habit. She also described good oral health as a fundamental human right, irrespective of socioeconomic status or location.

Akindola cited statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which indicate that nearly half of the global population suffers from oral health issues, ranging from mild to severe cases. She noted that many individuals do not act until their conditions become critical, with tooth decay being one of the most prevalent oral health challenges.

According to her, two billion adults worldwide silently battle cavities, which, if left untreated, can lead to long-term health consequences. She disclosed that in 2025, Pepsodent plans to expand its schools’ programme to reach 2.7 million pupils and activate dental camps for 300,000 Nigerians across the North, West, South and East of the country.

Unilever’s Head of Personal Care, Research & Development for Africa, Uchenna Nwakanma, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving oral health awareness and expanding access to dental care worldwide.

He stated that the brand’s various initiatives over the past five years have reached 640,433 Nigerians. He further noted that the schools’ programme has impacted 9.1 million pupils in Nigeria, and with the planned outreach for 2025, the total reach is projected to exceed 11.8 million by the end of the year, surpassing the initial target of 10 million pupils.

Nwakanma stressed that prevention remains the most effective approach in tackling oral diseases and that raising awareness among children is crucial in ensuring a lifetime of good oral health.

He emphasised the significance of World Oral Health Day in oral hygiene and urged industry stakeholders and the public to prioritise dental care and seek professional treatment regularly.

NDA President, Dr Elias Emedom, highlighted the link between oral health and mental well-being, pointing out that limited access to oral healthcare and poor awareness contribute to the growing burden of oral diseases in Nigeria.

He reiterated the association’s commitment to collaborating with government agencies and healthcare providers to advance oral health initiatives and enhance overall well-being.

Director and Head of the Dentistry Division at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Gloria Uzoigwe, also acknowledged the ministry’s ongoing initiatives to integrate oral health into primary healthcare services.

Uzoigwe praised the company’s public-private partnership approach and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved, affirming that their collective efforts would contribute to a healthier Nigeria with improved access to oral healthcare and education.