World Vision Ghana Director, Jean-Claude Mukadi (M) and the Daade Mantse of Adjiekrom
As part of efforts to promote good oral hygiene among schoolchildren in the Fanteakwa South and North Districts of the Eastern Region, World Vision Ghana, in collaboration with Unilever Ghana and the Ghana Health Service, has organised a health screening programme for hundreds of pupils in basic schools across both districts.
The children, who also received free products from Pepsodent and World Vision, were educated on oral health.
According to World Vision, this initiative is part of their educational strategy to promote dental healthcare, which will ultimately improve the living conditions of schoolchildren in rural communities.
Jean-Claude Mukadi, Interim National Director of World Vision Ghana, shared his thoughts during the screening programme at Adjiekrom. He indicated that World Vision and its partners would continue to support vulnerable communities and ensure good oral hygiene.
“So, I took some notes from all the presentations by our partners from the health and education sectors, and I want to say that it is very important for every child to have good oral health. It improves your confidence at all times and contributes to your general well-being. We at World Vision Ghana will continue to strengthen partnerships with all stakeholders to achieve good oral health.
“It is also very important to visit the dentist once a year. Parents should endeavour to take their children to the dentist annually for screening and check-ups to address minor cavities and other issues before they escalate,” he said.
The Daade Mantse of Adjiekrom expressed gratitude to World Vision Ghana for the oral health education and called on the government to help distribute free toothbrushes to schools in deprived communities.
“In the olden days, our parents used plantain sticks and ground charcoal to brush our teeth. Fortunately, technology has changed things, and now we have modern toothbrushes and brands. We are happy about everything World Vision is doing for our children—educating them, protecting them, and providing the necessary tools for their future.
“We urge the Ministry of Health and other NGOs like World Vision to support us, and we also call on the government to supply free toothbrushes to schools, just as they have promised to distribute free sanitary pads to young girls in all schools,” he said.
Rev Peter Ohene Tetteh, Chairman of the Local Council of Churches in the Fanteakwa South District, revealed that some households in the district still share a single toothbrush among children.
He urged parents to end such practices.
