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Pepsodent reaffirms commitment to oral disease prevention in Nigeria

Pepsodent reaffirms commitment to oral disease prevention in Nigeria

Pepsodent, a global toothpaste brand, has reaffirmed its commitment to prevent oral health diseases in the country even as it pledged to deepen access to dental care for Nigerians.
Speaking during the ministerial press conference held in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 National Oral Health Week and Name Day, Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Mary G. Akindola noted that oral health remains an issue of concern that Unilever and its brands, Closeup and Pepsodent, will continue. to research to improve people’s well-being and quality of life.
Akindola explained that Unilever has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure improved oral health for Nigerians through our day and night campaigns and initiatives.
She also said that the brand remains committed to engaging in initiatives that would promote the promotion of oral hygiene among Nigerians.

Pepsodent reaffirms commitment to oral disease prevention in Nigeria

LR: National Coordinator (NANI) Chief, NOMA Central, Abuja, Dr. Charles Ononiwu; The dental therapist, Yemi Alajede; Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Mary Gbemisola-Akindola; President, Dental Association of Nigeria, Dr. Elias Emedom; Head of the Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health, dr. Gloria Uzoigwe and Chief Consultant/Chief Orthodontist, Children’s Dental Unit, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Ada Anosike during the ministerial press briefing held in commemoration of the National Oral Health Week/National Noma Day in Abuja on Tuesday.

“Oral health is an essential component of overall health that is often overlooked. In a country as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or geographic location, has access to quality oral education and care is no small feat. Undoubtedly, the Federal Government is making tremendous efforts through policy initiatives and programs to encourage and raise awareness for oral health care in Nigeria. On our part, we will continue to take measures to complement this effort in a bid to make oral health hygiene routine among Nigerians,” she said.
She revealed that over the years, Unilever, through its Pepsodent brand, has embarked on a number of initiatives to raise awareness of oral health.

She said initiatives such as the Pepsodent Schools Program were designed to encourage primary school children to develop the vital practice of brushing day and night with fluoride toothpaste.
She said early intervention can lead to lifelong, life-changing habits that can prevent tooth decay and improve overall oral health.

“This year 2024, the Pepsodent Schools Program has reached 2,103,307 students in 4,951 schools in Kano, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. So far, we have reached over 9 million children since the start of the initiative,” she said.

According to her, initiatives such as the Pepsodent Talk to Dentist Campaign, organized in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association, reached 189,491 Nigerians in eight local government areas of Osun and Ondo State to improve access to dental services.

“Pepsodent’s mission is to prevent oral diseases and provide access to dentistry for everyone. This year, Pepsodent celebrated World Oral Health Day in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Dental Association and other stakeholders to communicate the brand’s commitment to eradicating oral health diseases and facilitating access to dentists in Nigeria. The celebration spread to 26 states and the FCT through NDA state chapters, reaching 101,918 Nigerians with oral health education, sampling, oral screening and treatment,” she added.

While applauding the leadership of the Ministry for making oral health a priority, she emphasized the need for the private and public sectors to synergize. Such collaboration has tremendous potential to create long-lasting change that would ensure that every Nigerian has the knowledge, access and opportunity to maintain a healthy smile throughout life.

“As we continue this journey, Pepsodent is fully committed to supporting the Federal Ministry of Health in boosting oral health awareness and expanding access to care. With the collective effort of all stakeholders, Nigeria will become a role model for oral health care where having a healthy mouth and a full set of teeth will be a common reality for all age groups, backgrounds and geographical locations,” he said. she stated.