By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare services across the country as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Oral Health Day.
This was contained in a press release issued on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighting efforts to improve access to dental care and promote preventive practices nationwide.
Speaking at the event themed, “A happy mouth is a happy life,” the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the occasion as a reminder of the importance of oral hygiene in overall wellbeing.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola S. Adegoke, the minister noted that oral diseases continue to affect children’s development, adult productivity, and national progress.
He said, “Oral disease has been a challenge that has impacted negatively on children’s growth, adult productivity and the nation’s progress.”
Salako disclosed that the ministry had integrated oral healthcare into primary healthcare services and expanded access to affordable dental care across communities.
“We have integrated oral healthcare into our primary healthcare services, expanded access to affordable dental care, providing education, prevention and basic care closer to communities,” he stated.
According to him, community health workers are being trained to identify and refer severe oral conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate, while school-based programmes and community outreaches are promoting preventive habits.
The minister added that the government was collaborating with development partners, including the World Health Organization, Noma AIDS Nigeria Initiative, and Médecins Sans Frontières, to tackle neglected oral diseases.
He also commended the Nigeria Dental Association for its outreach programmes, which he said had reached over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our aim this year is to reach three million citizens with education, care and hope,” he said.
Salako further revealed that the ministry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers on basic oral healthcare and promote oral hygiene education in schools and communities.
He stressed that improving oral health is a shared responsibility, urging Nigerians to adopt simple practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Dental Division, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, emphasised the importance of preventive care.
“Most preventable oral diseases are often neglected until they become a burden. Common dental diseases are preventable if we take shared responsibility to promote healthy habits,” she said.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe, noted that oral health goes beyond disease prevention.
“This year’s theme reminds us that caring for our mouths is beyond disease prevention as it enhances quality of life,” he said.
The event featured presentations on oral health, an awareness march by students, and an oratory competition.
Army Day Secondary School, Abuja, emerged winner of the competition, receiving a cash prize of N100,000, while Command Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, Abuja, came second with N80,000. Stem Child Care Academy finished third, receiving N50,000, while other participants received consolation prizes.