Kabale District, Uganda
March 21, 2024
Anifa Kawooya, the State Minister for Health overseeing general duties, has highlighted the escalating prevalence of tooth decay across Uganda. Speaking at the World Oral Health Day Celebrations in Kabale District yesterday, represented by Dr. Martin Ssendyona, the Acting Commissioner for Standards, Compliance, and Patient Protection, Minister Kawooya underscored that as of March 2024, tooth decay rates stood at a staggering 90% among children and 75% among adults.
The Minister disclosed that this data stemmed from a comprehensive survey conducted last year to gauge the oral health landscape in Uganda, prompted by a noticeable surge in reported cases nationwide.
The surge in tooth decay was linked to heightened consumption of sugary foods, particularly among children, while in adults, factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive calorie intake were identified as significant contributors.
Echoing the minister’s concerns, Dr. Amon Mwesigwa, a dentist affiliated with Brighter Smiles Dental Services in Mbarara City, emphasized the urgent need for the government to establish fully equipped dental facilities in each district. Dr. Mwesigwa, who participated in outreach activities across the Kigezi region ahead of the World Oral Health Day celebrations, lamented the logistical challenges faced by patients who often had to travel long distances to access dental care at regional hospitals due to the absence of local services.
Dr. Juliet Nabbanja, Principal Dental Surgeon at the Ministry of Health, extended gratitude to the team of dentists and medical interns who dedicated 14 days to providing free dental services in the Kigezi region. She particularly commended the interns from Kabale’s medical training institutions for their commitment to serving communities despite the rugged terrain.
Looking ahead, Dr. Nabbanja announced that Masaka City would host next year’s World Oral Health Day Celebrations, emphasizing the event’s objectives of raising awareness, promoting preventive measures against oral diseases, and fostering community engagement through outreach initiatives.
During this year’s celebrations, 17 outreach programs were conducted in the Kigezi region, offering vital services such as screenings, extractions, cleanings, and the provision of dentures to individuals in need. The theme, “Oral Health is Good for General Health,” was chosen to emphasize the intrinsic link between oral health and overall well-being, resonating strongly with the local context.
The Ministry of Health remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the pressing oral health challenges facing Uganda, striving to ensure that every citizen has access to quality dental care as an integral component of comprehensive healthcare services.
