National campaign underscores oral health
Brush up on dental healthcare
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula says government is focused on expanding dental healthcare facilities across Namibia.
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has highlighted government's commitment to providing dental healthcare across the country to enhance oral health and hygiene among citizens.
In a speech read on his behalf by Anna Jonas, Erongo regional health director, during an event commemorating the start of National Oral Health Awareness Week in Walvis Bay this week, the minister emphasised the ministry's plans to expand access to dental care.
"Today, 35 out of 36 health districts have stationed dentists, a remarkable improvement from just nine dental clinics at independence."
The week-long national campaign, themed ‘A healthy mouth is a healthy body," underscores the critical link between oral health and overall well-being.
Simple to do
Shangula said the week focuses on educating and empowering communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain excellent oral health.
"Simple practices like brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental check-ups can prevent many oral diseases and pave the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles," he said.
"Together, we can reduce the burden of oral diseases and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens," the minister added.
He also stressed that oral diseases remain a global public health challenge. "Here at home, the challenges are no less daunting," Shangula noted.
According to the 2010 national oral health survey, 37.8% of children aged one to nine suffered from untreated dental decay in their deciduous teeth, and 32.1% of individuals aged five years and older had untreated caries in their permanent teeth. Moreover, 23.6% of people aged 15 and older were found to have severe periodontal disease, while 11.2% of adults aged 20 and above were affected by edentulism. Alarmingly, only 7.8% of seniors aged 65-74 were caries-free.
Improved knowledge
Christian John, the national oral health programme officer, said the oral health awareness campaign is aimed at empowering people with the knowledge, tools and confidence for good oral health.
"Having an unhygienic mouth affects us because it causes pain and discomfort when suffering from dental conditions like tooth decay and gum diseases."
"It is essential that we brush our teeth regularly before we sleep and when we wake up," he added.
Tovia Nekomba, a learner from !Nara Primary School, said it was quite an educational event as most kids her age don't know how to take care of their oral health. "We learned so much that we can take into action to live healthy and longer," she said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Anna Jonas, Erongo regional health director, during an event commemorating the start of National Oral Health Awareness Week in Walvis Bay this week, the minister emphasised the ministry's plans to expand access to dental care.
"Today, 35 out of 36 health districts have stationed dentists, a remarkable improvement from just nine dental clinics at independence."
The week-long national campaign, themed ‘A healthy mouth is a healthy body," underscores the critical link between oral health and overall well-being.
Simple to do
Shangula said the week focuses on educating and empowering communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain excellent oral health.
"Simple practices like brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental check-ups can prevent many oral diseases and pave the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles," he said.
"Together, we can reduce the burden of oral diseases and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens," the minister added.
He also stressed that oral diseases remain a global public health challenge. "Here at home, the challenges are no less daunting," Shangula noted.
According to the 2010 national oral health survey, 37.8% of children aged one to nine suffered from untreated dental decay in their deciduous teeth, and 32.1% of individuals aged five years and older had untreated caries in their permanent teeth. Moreover, 23.6% of people aged 15 and older were found to have severe periodontal disease, while 11.2% of adults aged 20 and above were affected by edentulism. Alarmingly, only 7.8% of seniors aged 65-74 were caries-free.
Improved knowledge
Christian John, the national oral health programme officer, said the oral health awareness campaign is aimed at empowering people with the knowledge, tools and confidence for good oral health.
"Having an unhygienic mouth affects us because it causes pain and discomfort when suffering from dental conditions like tooth decay and gum diseases."
"It is essential that we brush our teeth regularly before we sleep and when we wake up," he added.
Tovia Nekomba, a learner from !Nara Primary School, said it was quite an educational event as most kids her age don't know how to take care of their oral health. "We learned so much that we can take into action to live healthy and longer," she said.
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