2026 World Oral Health Day: FG Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Oral Healthcare in Nigeria
As Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Oral Health Day, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policies and programmes aimed at improving and promoting oral healthcare nationwide.
Speaking at the commemoration ceremony themed “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the event as a critical reminder of the importance of adopting simple daily oral hygiene practices and raising awareness of oral health as a key component of overall wellbeing.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services at the Ministry, Dr. Abisola S. Adegoke, the Minister noted that oral diseases remain a significant public health challenge, negatively affecting children’s growth, adult productivity, and national development.
He disclosed that the Ministry has integrated oral healthcare into primary healthcare services, expanded access to affordable dental care, and intensified efforts in education, prevention, and basic care delivery at the community level.
“Community healthcare workers are being trained to identify and refer severe oral health conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate. We have also strengthened school-based oral health programmes and community outreach initiatives to promote healthy habits and prevent dental diseases,” he said.
The Minister further highlighted ongoing collaborations with development partners, non-governmental organisations, and international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Noma AID Nigeria Initiative, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to address neglected oral health conditions.
He commended the Nigerian Dental Association for its outreach programmes, which have impacted over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He added that the goal for this year is to reach three million citizens with oral health education, care, and support.
Dr. Salako also revealed that the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in basic oral healthcare and to promote oral health education in schools and communities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he stressed that no Nigerian should suffer from preventable oral diseases, urging citizens to adopt healthy practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco use, and visiting dental professionals regularly.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of the Dental Division, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, emphasized that oral health is integral to overall wellbeing. She noted that many oral diseases are preventable but often neglected until they become severe and costly to manage.
She commended the participation of schoolchildren, teachers, and parents, highlighting their role in promoting discipline and healthy habits that contribute to long-term health and productivity.
Kachollom also acknowledged the contributions of partners, stakeholders, agencies, and professional associations, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to improving oral health outcomes in Nigeria.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by the Head of Clinics, Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe, said the theme of this year’s celebration underscores that oral care goes beyond disease prevention to enhancing quality of life.
He encouraged students to take oral health education seriously and share the knowledge with others, noting that empowering young people is key to building a healthier society.
The event featured presentations on oral health, a students’ awareness march, and an oratory competition. Army Day Secondary School, Abuja, emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of N100,000. Command Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, Abuja, came second with N80,000, while STEM Child Care Academy secured third place with N50,000. Other participants received consolation prizes.
