In the world of dental health in Nigeria, one major player stands out for its unwavering commitment to preventing oral diseases: Pepsodent. On the occasion of the National Oral Health Week and Noma Day 2024, the brand reaffirmed its support for the oral health of the Nigerian population, while committing to increasing access to dental care for all.
Pepsodent Brand Manager, Mary G. Akindola, highlighted at a ministerial press conference in Abuja that oral health remains a major concern for Unilever and its brands Closeup and Pepsodent. The collaboration between Unilever and the Federal Ministry of Health aims to improve the oral health of Nigerians through campaigns and initiatives such as our brushing day and night campaign. The move is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of oral hygiene and promoting healthy habits among Nigerians.
Mary G. Akindola also emphasizes the importance of access to quality dental care for all citizens, irrespective of their origin or geographical location. She highlights the efforts of the Federal Government and the programmes put in place to encourage awareness and access to oral health care in Nigeria. She says Pepsodent is committed to complementing these efforts by making oral hygiene a daily habit for all Nigerians.
Over the years, Unilever, through its Pepsodent brand, has launched various initiatives aimed at creating awareness on oral health. Programmes such as the Pepsodent Schools Programme encourage primary school children to adopt the essential practice of brushing their teeth every morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste. This initiative has reached millions of children across the country and has helped promote healthy lifestyle habits that prevent dental problems and improve long-term oral health.
In parallel, campaigns such as “Talk to Dentist”, organized in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association, have helped to raise awareness among thousands of Nigerians about available dental services. Pepsodent is on a mission to prevent oral diseases and facilitate access to dental care for all. In 2024, the brand celebrated World Oral Health Day in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Dental Association and other stakeholders to communicate its commitment to eradicating oral diseases and facilitating access to dentists in Nigeria, reaching thousands of Nigerians across the country.
Mary G. Akindola emphasizes the importance of private and public sector collaboration to create lasting change and ensure every Nigerian has the knowledge, access and opportunities to maintain a healthy smile throughout their lives. She says Pepsodent will continue to support the Federal Ministry of Health in raising awareness about oral health and expanding access to care. With the commitment of all stakeholders, Nigeria can become a model for oral health care, where dental health is a common reality for all, regardless of age, race or geographical location.
This partnership between Pepsodent and the health authorities in Nigeria demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting oral health nationwide and ensuring equitable access to dental care for all. Working hand in hand, these stakeholders are increasing awareness of oral hygiene and helping to build a future where every Nigerian can smile with confidence, knowing that their dental health is being taken care of effectively and sustainably.