The program, which is funded to the tune of Sh13.7 million by Mars Wrigley Confectionery’s Oral Health Community Service Grant, will cover Kajiado, Machakos and Meru counties. This marks the second phase of the program, following the successful completion of the first phase last year.
“In several regions, poor oral hygiene remains one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, with children who experience dental pain missing school and performing poorly academically,” Andrew Wetende, Chairman KDA said, “ Yet, simple and cost-effective preventive oral health strategies are crucial for avoiding costly cures.”
The first phase, which was inaugurated by Nairobi Senator, Johnson Sakaja, reached about 10,000 children in Nairobi, Murang’a and Nakuru counties. This means that on completion of phase two, which has just kicked off in Kajiado county, a total of 20,000 children across six counties will have benefited in two years. The dental clinics not only focus on screening and treatment, but also on imparting knowledge on oral health, including basic oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily and not sharing toothbrushes.