GSK Limited, a member of the Haleon Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to provide oral health care education to over 400,000 Kenyans by the end of the year.
This collaboration is part of commemorating this year’s World Oral Health Day on March 20.
As part of this initiative, over 100 dental clinics across the country will offer free dental checkups from March 20th to April 20th, 2024.
Speaking during the signing of the MOU in Nairobi on Tuesday, Mark Pfister, Haleon Sub Saharan (SSA) Africa General Manager, emphasized the importance of a united front in addressing the oral health challenges faced by many Kenyans.
“By forging partnerships with dental associations and government bodies, we can implement comprehensive strategies to improve dental care accessibility and awareness,” he said.
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These sentiments were echoed by KDA President Dr. Tim Theuri, who emphasised that collaborative partnerships can drive oral health forward by fostering cooperation among industry players, healthcare professionals, and local communities.
“This synergy fuels innovation, widens the reach of dental care, and leads to enhanced oral health results globally. The Kenya Dental Association eagerly anticipates the collaboration with Haleon and the positive impact it will have on the oral health landscape in Kenya,” Dr. Theuri said.
According to the Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026 by the Ministry of Health (MOH), all adults in Kenya have at least one dental problem requiring medical attention. However, only a small proportion of Kenyans seek dental treatment, primarily when they have tooth pain or discomfort.
The ministry attributes this to a lack of awareness, financial constraints, and low access due to distance from health facilities, while a small number still regard oral checkups as unimportant.
Meanwhile, Kenyans have been urged to prioritize their oral health by fostering a culture of regular dental check-ups, adopting proper oral hygiene practices, and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health.
