By Joy Onu
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving oral healthcare delivery, with renewed efforts focused on prevention, awareness, and expanding access to affordable dental services, particularly at the grassroots level.
This position was reiterated in Abuja during activities marking World Oral Health Day 2026, where stakeholders underscored the need to prioritise oral hygiene as a key component of overall health.
At the event themed “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, drew attention to the widespread impact of oral diseases, noting that they continue to affect children’s development, reduce adult productivity, and place a burden on national growth.
The minister, who was represented by the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Nigeria, Dr. Abisola S. Adegoke, explained that government interventions are now being driven through primary healthcare systems to ensure wider reach and sustainability.
According to him, oral healthcare services have been integrated into primary care, with increased access to affordable treatment, alongside education and preventive services delivered closer to communities through structured outreach programmes.
He added that community health workers are being trained to detect and refer severe oral conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate, while school-based initiatives are helping to instill proper oral hygiene habits among young Nigerians.
Efforts to tackle neglected oral diseases are also being strengthened through collaboration with international and local partners, including the World Health Organization, Noma AIDS Nigeria Initiative and Médecins Sans Frontières.
In recognising contributions from professional bodies, the minister 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. He noted that current efforts are aimed at extending this impact to three million people.
He further revealed that a partnership has been sealed with Colgate to support the training of Community Health Extension Workers, with a focus on basic oral care and expanding awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
While stressing the importance of preventive practices, he called on Nigerians to adopt routine oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on sugar intake, avoiding tobacco use, and maintaining regular dental visits.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Dental Services, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, highlighted the tendency of many Nigerians to neglect oral health until it becomes difficult to manage.
She maintained that most oral diseases are preventable, urging families, schools, and healthcare providers to work collectively in promoting early care and healthy habits.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Nigeria, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe, emphasised that oral health goes beyond preventing diseases, noting its role in enhancing overall quality of life.
He encouraged students present at the event to take oral health messages seriously and share them within their communities, stressing that educating young people is key to building a healthier society.
The commemoration also featured technical presentations, an awareness march, and a student oratory competition. Army Day Secondary School, Abuja, emerged overall winner, clinching a N100,000 prize, while Command Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, Abuja, placed second with N80,000. Stem Child Care Academy came third with N50,000, as other participating schools received consolation prizes.
