Ghanaian Dental Surgeon and FDI Global Ambassador for World Oral Health Day, Dr. Louisa Satekla, has called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the World Dental Federation (FDI) to promote oral health education in Ghanaian schools.
During a courtesy call on Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana’s Minister for Education, in Accra, Dr. Satekla emphasized the need to address oral health challenges among schoolchildren. She highlighted the prevalence of dental caries and gum infections, which impact students’ overall well-being and academic performance.
She urged the Ministry to integrate oral health education into the school curriculum, ensuring children develop lifelong habits of proper oral hygiene.
Dr. Satekla also proposed officially recognizing March 20th as World Oral Health Day in schools, encouraging classroom discussions, awareness campaigns, and interactive sessions with dental professionals.
She stressed the importance of practical oral health programs involving students, teachers, and parents while ensuring schools have access to basic oral hygiene tools. Additionally, she advocated for a Sugar-Free School Policy, replacing sugary snacks and beverages in school canteens with healthier options like water and fruits.
In response, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged that dental health does not receive enough attention in Ghana and expressed his commitment to incorporating oral health education into the country’s education system.
“The health of our children must be a top priority, and oral health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. The Ministry of Education is fully committed to working closely with key stakeholders to integrate oral health education into our schools and ensure that every child has access to preventive dental care,” Hon. Iddrisu affirmed.
He assured Dr. Satekla that the Ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Dental Association to implement sustainable oral health initiatives.
The Minister also congratulated Dr. Satekla for her achievements, praising her dedication to improving global dental health standards.
Last month, the FDI World Dental Federation announced Dr. Satekla as its Global Ambassador for a record fourth consecutive year, ahead of the 2025 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) campaign. She will lead efforts to emphasize the link between oral health, mental resilience, and physical vitality, while spearheading initiatives to support underserved communities through educational programs, community events, and social media engagement.
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