Unilever oral Pepsodent outreach, a prominent global toothpaste brand, has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Dental Association to launch the ambitious ‘Pepsodent Talk to a Dentist Activation’ campaign. This initiative is strategically designed to address oral health disparities by targeting underserved areas across Nigeria. The campaign, spanning 20 communities in nine states, including Lagos, Rivers, Plateau, Ogun, Kano, FCT, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa, has recently concluded its session at Pakoto Secondary School in Ogun State on November 7, 2023.
Oiza Gyang, Business Lead for Beauty & Personal Care at Unilever Nigeria, shed light on the motivation behind this program. She emphasized the initiative’s goal of extending oral health care services and promotional activities to underprivileged and underserved areas, aligning with the vision of the FDI (World Dental Federation). The commitment of Unilever Nigeria to promoting oral health for both children and adults is evident, with plans to expand these campaigns to virtually all rural communities in Nigeria.
Gyang highlighted compelling statistics indicating that 90% of the world’s population experiences at least one form of oral disease in their lifetime, leading to pain, discomfort, social isolation, and a loss of confidence. Dr. Oluwole Olusanya, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Dental Association, underscored the campaign’s essence: to deepen the knowledge of good oral hygiene practices by educating young pupils nationwide. The focus includes teaching proper toothbrushing techniques, identifying and treating teeth infections, and referring individuals requiring advanced treatment to dental centers.
Assistant Category Manager – Oral Care, Chinonyerem Opara, explained Unilever’s corporate decision to reach out to communities. The goal is to transform individuals who may not be aware of the importance of oral hygiene into advocates for healthier smiles. Opara emphasized the necessity of addressing the urban-rural disparity in oral health care, citing research that indicates a higher prevalence of oral health resources in urban areas, leaving those in rural communities with a relatively high burden of untreated oral diseases.
Conclusion: Unilever
The campaign has been met with appreciation from educators and community leaders. Mrs. Josephine Salako, Principal of Sanmori Senior Comprehensive High School, expressed gratitude for the awareness created about oral hygiene, noting the positive impact of dental check-ups on pupils and their families. The activations extended beyond Ogun State, reaching places like Makoko Community in Lagos State, Ogoni Community in Rivers State, and Owhelogbo Grammar School in Delta State. Impressively, over one million residents and school children have benefited from this extensive oral health campaign, underscoring the significant reach and impact of Pepsodent’s initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association and the Federal Ministry of Health.
