Stakeholders Advocate for Oral Health Integration into Nigeria's Primary Healthcare System
Stakeholders within Nigeria's health sector have issued a strong call for the integration of oral healthcare into the country's primary healthcare framework. This initiative aims to significantly improve access, raise awareness, and promote preventive practices across the nation. The appeal was prominently voiced during the launch of the 2026 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) campaign by Pepsodent, held at the head office of Unilever Nigeria Plc in Lagos.
Campaign Details and Strategic Focus
The campaign, themed "Do The 2," is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA). Running from March 16 to 21, 2026, it features a comprehensive approach including school engagement programmes, public activations in high-traffic locations, and dental camps. The initiative is expected to be rolled out across 17 states, with a strategic focus on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, targeting approximately 50 million Nigerians.
Brand Manager of Pepsodent, Lauretta Amie, emphasized that the campaign is designed to instil lifelong oral health habits among both children and adults. This will be achieved through a combination of awareness, education, and community engagement. She explained that the "Do The 2" message encourages Nigerians to brush twice daily and maintain regular dental visits. The partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association aims to reach about 500,000 people with crucial information on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of oral diseases.
Public-Private Partnership Impact
Head of the Dentistry Division at the Federal Ministry of Health, Gloria Uzoigwe, highlighted the collaboration with Unilever as a demonstration of the significant impact of public-private partnerships in advancing national health priorities. She noted that school oral health programmes have already reached thousands of children across several states, underscoring ongoing efforts to promote the early adoption of healthy practices.
This move towards integration is seen as a critical step in addressing oral health disparities and ensuring that preventive care becomes a standard part of Nigeria's healthcare delivery system.
