Haleon health company has partnered with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to empower 400,000 Kenyans with oral health education.
Under the partnership, over 100 dental clinics across Kenya will offer free dental checkups from March 20th to April 20th, 2024.
This initiative aims to educate over 400,000 Kenyans on oral healthcare practices by the end of 2024.
“This year, GSK Limited (Member of the Haleon Group) stands alongside dental professionals in championing the cause through collaborative efforts to enhance dental care in Kenya,” read part of the release.
The collaboration coincides with the World Oral Health Day which is observed annually on March 20th.
The World Oral Health Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and its impact on overall.
GSK Partners With KDA to Improve Oral Health
Mark Pfister, Haleon Sub Saharan (SSA) Africa General Manager said that he strongly believes a unified approach is crucial to address the oral health challenges in the country.
“Oral health is integral to overall well-being, and we believe that a united front is essential in addressing the oral health challenges faced by many Kenyans,” he remarked.
“By forging partnerships with dental associations and government bodies, we can implement comprehensive strategies to improve dental care accessibility and awareness.”
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Dr. Tim Theuri, KDA President, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
“Collaborative partnerships are instrumental in propelling oral health forward through encouraging cooperation among industry players, healthcare professionals, and local communities,” he said.
“This synergy fuels innovation, widens the reach of dental care, and leads to enhanced oral health results globally.”
He further said that KDA eagerly anticipates the collaboration with Haleon and the positive impact it will have on the oral health landscape in Kenya.
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Ministry of Health Statistics on Dental Issues
According to the Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026 by the Ministry of Health (MOH), all adults in Kenya have at least one dental problem requiring medical attention.
However, only a small proportion of Kenyans seek dental treatment, primarily when they have tooth pain or discomfort.
MOH attributes this to a lack of awareness, financial constraints, and low access due to distance to the health facility while a small number still regard oral checkups as unimportant.
With this year’s theme, ‘A happy mouth is a happy body’, Kenyans are encouraged to take pride in their oral health.
This can be done by fostering a culture of regular dental check-ups, adopting proper oral hygiene practices, and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health.