FG targets three million Nigerians in nationwide oral health push
FG targets three million Nigerians in nationwide oral health push
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to oral healthcare, with plans to reach at least three million Nigerians through expanded services and awareness campaigns, as the country marked World Oral Health Day 2026.
Speaking during a commemorative event in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said oral diseases continue to pose a serious but often overlooked threat to national development.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, the minister warned that poor oral health has far-reaching consequences.
“Oral diseases have impacted negatively on children’s growth, adult productivity and the nation’s progress,” he said.
He described the 2026 theme, “A happy mouth is a happy life,” as a call to action for Nigerians to adopt preventive oral health practices.
“This event serves as a reminder of the importance of simple daily oral healthcare practices and the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being,” Salako stated.
The minister disclosed that the government has begun integrating oral healthcare into primary healthcare systems to improve access, especially in underserved communities.
