Blantyre oral health week launched

The Blantyre oral health week has been launched with a call for residents to develop an oral hygiene culture and have routine checks for their teeth.

Speaking during the launch today at Robins Park in Blantyre, district health ffficer for Blantyre Tinkhani Mbichira said over 75 percent of the district’s residents have oral problems a situation which he said could be avoided.

Mbichila called on the residents to utilize the services of dental technicians who are located in all health centers of the district by having their teeth checked or treated.

District Education Manager for Blantyre urban Evelyn Njema said oral health week was important as it provided a mirror for individuals to reflect on what they were doing to promote oral health.

Njema said through the ministry’s school health and nutritional program, it was found that three quarters of learners had dental problems.

“This problem has led to disruption of the learning process at times,” said Njema.

Five primary schools from Blantyre City participated in the event where 2500 tooth brushes and Colgate toothpaste were distributed among them.

Colgate Palmolive Limited intends to distribute 12,500 tooth brushes and Colgate toothpaste to schools in Blantyre by the end of the week.

The function was organized by Colgate Palmolive Limited in collaboration with the district education office and the district health office.