Fun, entertainment as Pepsodent engages pupils in fight against tooth decay
It was funtainment as Unilever Nigeria Plc., makers of global toothpaste brand, Pepsodent in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) and the Federal Ministry of Health in demonstration of their commitment to promote oral hygiene among Nigerians, celebrated the 2018 World Health Day in grand style.
Themed ‘Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health’, the celebration was a culmination of events organised by the brand, focused on raising awareness on oral health and encouraging good oral care habits.
Over 2,000 school children joined by the Unilever Ghana-Nigeria leadership team, the Nigerian Dental Association led by its president, Dr Bode Ijarogbe; Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Lagos State government and various non-governmental organisations in the battle to combat tooth decay, by pledging to brush every day, morning and night.
Speaking at the event, Marketing Director, Unilever Ghana-Nigeria, Bunmi Adeniba stated that tooth decay is a widespread disease that affects both adults and children, and Pepsodent has taken the lead to fight this disease, by teaching children from an early age, the habit of brushing right, morning and night, every day.”
She said, “The fight against tooth decay and other oral diseases is one we can win, as long as we keep spreading the message of good oral hygiene. As part of our continuous efforts to fight oral diseases in Nigeria, Pepsodent has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to educate 10 million school children by 2020, on the adoption of good oral care habits.”
“We have recognised that children are powerful behaviour change advocates in their homes, often driving conversation and action with parents and peers around issues like this. Pepsodent intends on educating over 1.5 million Nigerian children in 2018.” she added.
According to Adeniba, the toothpaste brand from inception of its ‘Brush Day and Night School Programme’ till date, has reached a total of 3.5 million children, adding that this year, the brand enlisted Nigerian youths as oral health advocates to take the message of good oral health to their communities.
President, Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr. Bode Ijarogbe, also speaking at the celebration said, “We need to empower Nigerians to take control of their oral health, so that they can enjoy a truly functional and enjoyable lifestyle from childhood into adulthood, hence our support to Unilever Nigeria Plc. and our collective commitment to fight tooth decay in Nigeria.”
According to Ijarogbe, this year’s theme, particularly reminds everyone that the mouth is an integral part of the body; as such, systemic problems will not only manifest in the mouth but poor oral health can also predispose to systemic problems.
“It is important to note that the mouth must be healthy for the body to be healthy, and that is why we are on a mission to ensure that more people are aware of the need to take proper care of their mouth.
“World Oral Health Day celebration is aimed at increasing awareness for oral health as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health, well-being and national economies. It is a pleasure to partner with Unilever Nigeria Plc., who over the years has made the World Oral Health Day a success with their immense support,” he stated
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Bola Alonge, Director / Head of Dentistry, representing the Minister of Health, commended Unilever and Pespsodent for the initiative, saying that the partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Unilever will help deliver optimal oral health care in the country.
According to her, oral diseases are amongst the most common diseases worldwide, but can be prevented by brushing twice a day (morning and night), with fluoride toothpaste like Pepsodent.
Highpoint of the grand celebration was the free dental check-ups for guests, particularly the children at the event, which held at The Arcade, Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.
There were also various educative, entertaining and engaging activities like spelling bee, dance competition, talent hunt, and oral health drama presentation by the children amongst others.
