Renowned Ghanaian dental surgeon and FDI Global Ambassador for World Oral Health Day, Dr. Louisa Satekla, has paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, to discuss strategies for promoting oral health education in schools nationwide.
The meeting, held in Accra, aimed at fostering collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the World Dental Federation (FDI) to incorporate oral health awareness into the school curriculum. Dr. Satekla highlighted the alarming rise in dental diseases such as cavities and gum infections among Ghanaian children, emphasizing the need for early preventive measures to improve overall health and academic performance.
During the discussions, she proposed the official recognition of March 20th as World Oral Health Day in schools, encouraging awareness campaigns, classroom discussions, and interactive engagements with dental professionals.
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She also advocated for a Sugar-Free School Policy, which would promote healthier dietary choices by reducing the availability of sugary snacks and drinks in school canteens.
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Dr. Louisa further urged the Ministry to collaborate with private organizations and stakeholders to provide essential oral hygiene tools, training programs, and resources to schools. According to her, fostering lifelong oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial in preventing dental issues and ensuring better health outcomes.
In response, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that oral health is often overlooked in Ghana’s education system. He assured Dr. Satekla of the Ministry’s commitment to integrating oral health education into school programs and working closely with relevant institutions, including the Ghana Dental Association and the Ministry of Health, to implement sustainable policies.
“The well-being of our children must be prioritized, and oral health is an essential aspect of their overall development. We will take the necessary steps to ensure schools actively promote good dental hygiene practices,” the Minister affirmed.
He also congratulated Dr. Satekla on her continued achievements and global recognition, commending her dedication to improving oral health awareness in Ghana and beyond.
Dr. Louisa’s advocacy aligns with her recent appointment as the FDI Global Ambassador for World Oral Health Day for the fourth consecutive year. She will lead efforts to promote oral health as a vital component of overall well-being, with initiatives focusing on education, outreach programs, and policy advocacy to bridge global oral health disparities.
