Dentists, Unilever target 50m Nigerians for oral healthcare drive

2026-03-20 - 01:42

By Chioma Obinna To tackle poor oral hygiene and prevent dental diseases, Pepsodent has launched its 2026 World Oral Health Day campaign, “Do The 2,” urging Nigerians to adopt the simple but critical habit of brushing twice daily. The campaign, unveiled at a press conference at Unilever’s head office in Lagos in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, is set to run from March 16 to March 21, spanning 17 states with a target of reaching 50 million Nigerians. Activities lined up for the nationwide drive include school engagement programmes, public activations in high-traffic areas, and dental camps, with a strategic focus on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Lauretta Amie, described the initiative as a nationwide call to action to instill lifelong oral hygiene habits among Nigerians. “The ‘Do The 2’ campaign is a call to action for Nigerians to brush twice daily and maintain regular dental visits,” she said. “Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association, we aim to reach 500,000 people, driving awareness on prevention, detection, and treatment of oral health diseases.” Health authorities also threw their weight behind the initiative, highlighting its significance in strengthening public health outcomes. Head of the Dentistry Division at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, said the partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. “This clearly demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in advancing national health priorities,” she said, noting that thousands of school children across several states have already benefited from school oral health programmes. She added that investments by private-sector players and the commitment of professional bodies remain vital to improving access to oral healthcare nationwide. Speaking, President of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Emedom Elias, described the 2026 World Oral Health Day as a critical platform to spotlight the importance of oral health to overall well-being. “This year’s theme, ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,’ underscores the importance of oral health,” he said. “Oral health is not just about clean teeth and gums; it affects our ability to eat, speak, learn, work, and interact with others.” Elias called on the government and stakeholders to prioritise oral healthcare as an integral part of the country’s health system, stressing the need to expand access, promote awareness, and integrate oral health into primary healthcare delivery. In his keynote address, Head of Supply Chain, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Abayomi Alli, said the campaign reflects the company’s broader commitment to improving health outcomes beyond product offerings. “World Oral Health Day is a moment to recommit to transforming oral health awareness and access to care in Nigeria,” he said. “With the ‘Do The 2’ campaign, Pepsodent is proud to play a role in building healthier smiles across the nation.” Alli further warned that poor oral hygiene goes beyond cavities and gum disease, linking it to more serious conditions. “Good dental hygiene is essential not only to avoid cavities and gum disease but also to prevent systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease,” he noted.