By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has integrated oral healthcare into primary healthcare services and expanded access to affordable dental care as part of efforts to tackle widespread oral diseases affecting children and adults.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the 2026 World Oral Health Day commemoration, where he noted that oral diseases continue to negatively impact children’s growth, adult productivity, and national development.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Abisola S. Adegoke, the minister said the government has intensified efforts to bring oral healthcare closer to communities through education, prevention, and basic care services.
The event, held under the theme “A happy mouth is a happy life,” highlighted the importance of adopting simple daily oral hygiene practices and raising awareness of oral health as a key component of overall wellbeing.
Salako explained that community healthcare workers are now being trained to identify and refer severe oral health conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate, while school-based programmes and community outreach initiatives are promoting preventive habits among Nigerians.
He added that the government is collaborating with development partners and international organisations, including the World Health Organization, Noma AIDS Nigeria Initiative, and Médecins Sans Frontières, to address neglected oral diseases.
The minister commended the Nigerian Dental Association for its outreach programmes, which have reached over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a target to impact three million citizens this year.
He further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers on basic oral healthcare and strengthen school-based education.
Salako stressed that improving oral health requires collective responsibility, urging parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to promote practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco use, and ensuring regular dental check-ups.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of the Dental Division, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, noted that many preventable oral diseases are often neglected until they become severe, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in promoting preventive care.
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In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe, said oral health goes beyond disease prevention and plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life.
The event featured presentations, a students’ awareness march, and an oratory competition, with Army Day Secondary School, Abuja emerging as the winner, followed by Command Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, Abuja, while Stem Child Care Academy secured third place.
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