The Ministry of Health will today, March 20, 2025, join the global community in commemorating World Oral Health Day at Nduluku Primary and Junior Secondary School in Makueni County.
The event, themed “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind,” aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its connection to mental health and overall well-being.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth are expected to attend, along with other health experts.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases such as dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss affected 42% of Africa’s population in 2021.
The region also has the highest number of noma cases, a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth that primarily affects young children.
WHO warns that if left untreated, noma has a high fatality rate, while survivors often face lifelong impairments, disfigurement, stigma, and discrimination.
The global health body has also integrated oral disease prevention into noncommunicable disease (NCD) control strategies, given their shared risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and high sugar intake.
Despite efforts to improve oral health, only 17% of the region’s population has access to essential oral health care, and the workforce remains inadequate.
Against this backdrop, Kenya is taking steps to strengthen oral health systems by training community health workers and participating in regional capacity-building initiatives.
By Prudence Wanza
