By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state government has partnered a leading toothpaste brand, Oracare to improve the oral health and well being of the residents of the state.
This as as the company assures that it will work with the government to improve dental clinics and facilities across the state.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day, Oyo state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi said the collaboration with Oracare through the manufacturer, Aspira Nigeria Limited has demonstrated a profound dedication to improving public health and community welfare.
The ceremony themed: “A happy mouth is a happy body”, was attended by top government functionaries, government dental officers, officials of various government dental centres, students, healthcare and medical personnel.
Dr Ajetunmobi said the contribution of Aspira has enabled the ministry to organise and execute a successful World Health Day event, facilitate awareness campaigns and implements health interventions that benefits individuals and communities nationwide.
She said “We appreciate Aspira Nigeria Limited for their generous sponsorship of the 2024 World Health Day. Their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote health and well-being is truly commendable and deserves recognition.
“Through this sponsorship, Aspira Nigeria Limited has demonstrated a profound dedication to improving public health and community welfare. Their contribution has enabled us to organize and execute a successful World Health Day event, facilitate awareness campaigns, and implement health interventions that benefit individuals and communities nationwide.
“The partnership with Aspira exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private sector and public health stakeholders in addressing pressing health challenges and Advancing the health agenda.
“By joining forces, we can amplify our efforts, leverage resources, and implement impactful interventions that improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for all.”
Speaking on the theme of the event, the Commissioner said when people neglect oral health, they not only risk tooth decay, gum disease and other types of oral infections but also open the door to a myriad of systemic health issues.
“All these will result in poor quality of life. Studies have shown strong link between poor oral health and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and even adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
“Therefore, investing in oral health is not just about preserving a bright smile but also safeguarding our overall health and well-being”, she added.
Speaking on the partnership with the sate government, the Southwest Regional Sales Manager, Aspira, Mr Adeboyejo Joseph said the collaboration is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
He said the company is already concluding talks on supporting the state government on improving its dental clinics facilities among other opportunities for collaboration.
Adeboyejo said “We are into the production of Oracare, an essential product for oral health and hygiene and we deemed it fit as part of our social responsibility to be involved in activities like this because it is part of our responsibilities to provide social responsibility for every environment anywhere we operate.
“When we talk about oral health, you talk about Oracare. You cannot talk about oral health without talking about washing of your teeth. And one of the vital tools we use to wash our teeth is the toothpaste. And we are producing number one toothpaste in Nigeria, which is known as Oracare.
“The state commissioner of health has been using the product and she has been recommending it to the Oyo state dental hospitals and we are coming up again with collaborations that we are going to be partnering with them in some areas in developing some of their dental clinics.
“We partner with a lot of organisations on anything in terms of social responsibility. Ofcourse yes, we have built hospitals in some places like Lagos, Borno and Kano state. We are official sponsors of most of the product, project in Kano. Likewise, that is what we are trying to do in the Southwest too.”
Highpoint of the event was a lecture on oral health and unveiling of dental clinic at the Oyo State Secretariat Staff Clinic.
