Pepsodent Launches Major Oral Health Campaign in Nigeria
Pepsodent, a globally recognized toothpaste brand, has officially launched its 2026 World Oral Health Day campaign in Nigeria under the theme "Do The 2." This initiative represents a significant effort to enhance oral hygiene habits among the Nigerian population through comprehensive awareness and engagement activities.
Campaign Launch and Strategic Partnerships
The "Do The 2" campaign was unveiled at a press conference held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Unilever's head office in Lagos. This event was organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), marking a strong public-private partnership aimed at addressing oral health challenges in the country.
The campaign officially commenced on March 16 and will run through March 21, 2026. It features a multi-faceted approach including school engagement programs, public activations in high-traffic areas, and dental camps. The initiative will be implemented across 17 key states, with particular emphasis on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, with the ambitious goal of reaching 50 million Nigerians.
Brand and Government Perspectives
Speaking at the press briefing, Lauretta Amie, Brand Manager for Pepsodent, emphasized the brand's commitment to instilling lifelong oral health habits in both children and adults. "The 'Do The 2' campaign serves as a crucial call to action for Nigerians to brush twice daily and maintain regular dental visits," Amie stated. "Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association, we aim to reach 500,000 people directly, driving awareness about prevention, detection, and treatment of oral health diseases."
Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, Head of the Dentistry Division at the Federal Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing national health priorities. She noted that thousands of school children have already been reached through School Oral Health Programs in various states across Nigeria. Dr. Uzoigwe acknowledged the critical role of the private sector and professional associations in advancing public health, stating that Unilever's investment in oral care initiatives and the Nigerian Dental Association's dedication to professional excellence remain invaluable in driving progress.
Professional Association Insights
Dr. Emedom Elias, President of the Nigerian Dental Association, described the celebration of the 2026 World Oral Health Day as an important milestone to highlight the significance of oral health. "This year's campaign theme, 'A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,' underscores the fundamental importance of oral health to overall well-being," Elias explained.
He emphasized that oral health should not be viewed merely as having clean teeth and gums, but also as influencing one's ability to perform essential tasks such as eating, speaking, learning, working, and socializing. Dr. Elias called on the government and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize oral healthcare as a vital component of general health, stressing the need to increase access to quality oral healthcare, promote oral health education and awareness, and integrate oral health into the primary healthcare system.
Corporate Commitment and Health Implications
In his keynote speech, Abayomi Alli, Head of Supply Chain at Unilever Nigeria Plc, reaffirmed the company's commitment to extending its impact beyond providing high-quality products. "This campaign demonstrates our dedication to using partnerships, technology, and community outreach to ensure every Nigerian has access to education, resources, and care to eradicate oral disease and promote healthier lives," Alli stated.
He noted that good dental hygiene is essential not only for preventing cavities and gum disease but also for avoiding systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. "World Oral Health Day represents a moment to recommit to transforming oral health awareness and access to care in Nigeria. With the 'Do The 2' campaign, Pepsodent is proud to play a role in building healthier smiles across the nation," Alli added.
The campaign reinforces the core message of protecting families from cavities and bad breath while addressing broader health implications. Through this comprehensive initiative, Pepsodent and its partners aim to create lasting behavioral change and improve oral health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
