Online Desk |  1 year ago | local

World Health Organisation Representative in Zimbabwe Dr Alex Gasasira has urged the country to adopt a public health approach that will see low income earners and the disadvantaged receive oral health care services. 

Dr Gasasira made the remarks during World Oral Health Day commemorations held at Engutsheni Hospitals in Bulawayo over the weekend.

Health experts note some of the oral health challenges include throat cancer, chronic mouth and facial pain, tooth decay and loss, gum disease among others.

Meanwhile, Government says it will soon roll out a stakeholder consultation that will guide a review of the National Oral Health Policy, which health experts say was last looked into 23 years ago and is now lagging behind in guiding decisions in the medical sub-sector.

In an interview with Star FM News, deputy director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Hardwick Matikiti said the goal is for the country to attain optimum oral hygiene among the citizens. 

Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association Oral Health Promotions Committee chairperson Dr Zanele Dhimika, applauded Government’s initiative to focus on addressing the burden of oral health in the country. 

The World Oral Health Day was held under a three-year theme “Be proud of your mouth” launched in 2021 to raise global awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.