Nationwide Oral Health Campaign Targets 25,000 Schoolchildren in Ghana

A new oral health campaign in Ghana is set to benefit more than 25,000 schoolchildren in underserved communities over the next year. Launched through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between World Vision Ghana and Unilever Ghana’s Pepsodent brand, the initiative aims to improve oral hygiene and combat the rising burden of oral diseases affecting children nationwide. With oral diseases impacting 3.5 billion people globally, according to WHO data, the campaign comes at a critical time to strengthen preventive care and promote healthier futures for Ghanaian children.

A Nationwide Initiative to Promote Oral Hygiene

Why the Campaign Matters

Ghana continues to record high levels of gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss—even in districts with adequate dental personnel. This highlights a deeper challenge: insufficient preventive education and limited access to oral health resources.

Target Groups and Reach

• 25,000 schoolchildren to benefit directly

• 30,000+ community members to be supported indirectly

• 2,000 families in both northern and southern Ghana included

• Focus on underserved, rural, and low-resource communities

Key Activities Under the Oral Health Campaign

The year-long initiative will roll out a series of school and community-based interventions to improve oral hygiene and awareness:

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Campaign Activities

1. School Outreach Sessions

   • Engage pupils on proper brushing techniques

   • Provide demonstrations and oral health education

2. Community Oral Health Days

   • Celebrations to raise awareness

   • Free screenings and preventive care advice

3. “Brush Twice Daily” Campaign

   • Reinforces healthy brushing habits at home and school

4. Free Oral Screenings

   • Conducted by trained professionals in targeted communities

5. Behaviour Change and Education Programmes

   • Run by World Vision Ghana through community mobilisation

6. Product Support and Technical Expertise

   • Provided by Unilever through its Pepsodent portfolio

Partnership Roles and Commitments

World Vision Ghana’s Contribution

World Vision will lead:

• Community engagement

• Behaviour change activities

• Child-focused development interventions

• Mobilisation of families and schools

Unilever Ghana’s Contribution

Pepsodent will provide:

• Technical expertise in oral care

• Products such as toothpaste and educational tools

• Support for screenings and demonstrations

Quotes from Officials

National Director of World Vision Ghana, Tinah Mukundah, highlighted the importance of the partnership:

“It holds great promise for improving oral and dental hygiene among children and their families. Together, we’re building healthier futures for Ghana’s next generation.”

Programme partners are optimistic that reinforcing daily brushing habits and expanding preventive education will reduce oral infections and ensure children begin life with healthier smiles.

FAQs About the Oral Health Campaign in Ghana

1. Who is leading the campaign?

World Vision Ghana and Unilever Ghana’s Pepsodent brand.

2. How long will the campaign last?

One full year of nationwide school and community activities.

3. Who will benefit directly?

More than 25,000 schoolchildren in underserved communities.

4. What activities will be carried out?

Free screenings, oral health education, brushing campaigns, and community outreach.

5. Why is oral health a national concern?

Oral diseases are widespread in Ghana due to limited preventive care and poor brushing habits.