Kenyan government calls for more oral health facilities

KENYA – Kenyan County governments have been encouraged to set up oral health units in Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 healthcare facilities to improve accessibility to dental care.

During the World Oral Health Day celebrations in Nduluku, Rebecca Kiptui, Director for Curative and Nursing Services, highlighted that oral diseases affect 45% of Kenya’s population.

Despite being one of the leading non-communicable diseases, oral health remains highly neglected, with only 13% of health facilities in the country offering specialized oral treatment.

“Governors should ensure that oral healthcare services are available at primary healthcare levels,” she emphasized.

Research from the National Oral Health Survey indicates that 98.1% of adults in Kenya suffer from oral health problems, while 46.3% of children aged five are affected by tooth decay.

The theme for this year’s World Oral Health Day, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind”, underscores the strong connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Kiptui stressed that oral health is more than just a healthy smile, describing it as a cornerstone of physical, mental, and social well-being that enhances self-esteem and social interactions.

The Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan (2022-2026) by the Ministry of Health reveals that all adults in Kenya have at least one dental problem requiring medical attention.

However, only a small number seek treatment, often waiting until they experience severe pain.

The Ministry attributes this to a lack of awareness, financial constraints, limited access to dental care, particularly in rural areas, and the low prioritization of regular dental check-ups.

Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., praised the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Defence Forces for organizing health camps that provide Kenyans with access to treatment for various health conditions, including oral diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

He noted that every time a health camp is held, citizens turn up in large numbers, indicating that many Kenyans are struggling with oral diseases and other health conditions.

He urged the government to streamline healthcare services to ensure that citizens receive the necessary medical attention.

In a bid to address the growing oral health crisis, the Haleon Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to provide oral health education and care to over 400,000 Kenyans in 2024.

As part of this initiative, over 100 dental clinics across the country were to offer free dental check-ups from March 20 to April 20, 2024, in commemoration of World Oral Health Day.

Speaking at the MOU signing event at the time in Nairobi, Mark Pfister, General Manager of Haleon Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling oral health challenges.

“By forging partnerships with dental associations and government bodies, we can implement comprehensive strategies to improve dental care accessibility and awareness,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by KDA President, Dr. Tim Theuri, who stressed the role of collaboration among industry players, healthcare professionals, and local communities in driving oral health forward.

He highlighted that such synergies fuel innovation, expand access to dental care, and enhance oral health outcomes.

“The Kenya Dental Association looks forward to working with Haleon and making a meaningful impact on oral health in Kenya,” Dr. Theuri said.