In preparation for the 2024 World Oral Health Day (WOHD), Pepsodent, one of Nigeria’s leading oral care brands, has kicked off a wide-reaching oral health awareness campaign across 16 primary and secondary schools in Lagos. The initiative, which aims to instill better oral hygiene habits among young Nigerians, is part of the brand’s commitment to advancing public health education and preventive dental care across the country.
Focused Outreach in School Communities
Pepsodent’s latest campaign targets schoolchildren — a critical demographic in the fight against oral diseases. By focusing on students, the brand hopes to create a lasting impact on oral care culture, starting from a young age. The campaign features in-school dental education sessions, interactive demonstrations on correct brushing techniques, and free oral hygiene kits for all participants.
Representatives from Pepsodent, in collaboration with oral health professionals and volunteers, visited each of the selected schools, delivering age-appropriate educational content designed to raise awareness about the importance of brushing twice daily, eating healthy, and going for regular dental checkups.
Supporting National and Global Oral Health Goals
The campaign aligns with the global theme of World Oral Health Day 2024, which emphasizes “A Happy Mouth is a Healthy Mouth.” In Nigeria, poor oral hygiene continues to be a widespread concern, especially among children, with many lacking access to dental care or information about proper hygiene practices. Pepsodent’s campaign seeks to bridge this gap by taking proactive oral health education directly to the classroom.
According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with tooth decay in permanent teeth being the most common condition. Pepsodent’s program not only reinforces global efforts to address this public health issue but also supports national health goals aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases through preventive education.
Empowering the Next Generation with Knowledge
Beyond distributing toothpaste and toothbrushes, the campaign fosters a culture of responsibility among children by helping them understand how their daily habits affect their overall health. Through engaging storytelling, visual aids, and hands-on demonstrations, children learn the right way to brush their teeth and why oral health matters in everyday life.
The program also encourages teachers and school authorities to include oral health education in their routine health talks, thereby creating a ripple effect within the community that can influence families and caregivers.
Corporate Commitment to Social Impact
Speaking on the campaign, a representative of Pepsodent reaffirmed the company’s dedication to improving health outcomes through education and public engagement. The representative noted that the school outreach is just one of several initiatives the brand plans to roll out this year as part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
“Pepsodent believes that every child deserves access to good oral health knowledge and the tools to practice it,” the representative said. “Through this campaign, we hope to instill positive oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.”
Looking Ahead to World Oral Health Day
As World Oral Health Day approaches in March 2024, the ongoing campaign serves as a timely reminder of the need for collective action in addressing oral health challenges. Pepsodent’s school outreach will culminate in a series of awareness events and celebrations across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, further promoting the message of good oral hygiene and preventive care.
By reaching students in 16 schools — and potentially thousands of young Nigerians — Pepsodent is playing a pivotal role in shaping a healthier, more informed future generation.
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