Global consumer goods giant, Unilever, marked World Oral
Health Day 2025 with a remarkable milestone of improving oral health for
230,000 primary school children under the theme “A Happy Mouth is... A Happy
Mind.”
World Oral Health Day is an annual event that underscores fostering
healthier smiles among communities in Kenya and beyond.
Speaking at the celebrations held at Technology Primary
School in Muranga County, Antony Esyalai, Unilever’s Head of Demand Creation for
East and West Africa, said:
"World Oral Health Day 2025 is a key moment for
Unilever to reaffirm our commitment to improving oral hygiene nationwide. By
reaching 230,000 school children in the last six, we aim to inspire lifelong
habits for healthier, brighter smiles across future generations."
Sheila Chepkorir, Marketing Manager for Personal Care at
Unilever, reiterated the company's dedication to innovation in oral care:
"At Unilever, we recognize the critical importance of
access to quality oral care products and education. Through ongoing investment
in research and development, we’re ensuring our products meet the diverse needs
of consumers while maintaining affordability and delivering lasting
benefits."
Chepkorir added that Unilever is committed to addressing
social and cultural factors to enhance oral care access and awareness
throughout Kenya.
Over the past six months, Unilever, through its oral care brands
Pepsodent and Close-Up, embarked on a mission to promote oral hygiene by
advocating for brushing twice daily.
This initiative spanned 230 schools across Nairobi, Rift
Valley, Coast, Central, and Lake regions, equipping over 230,000 students with
essential knowledge about oral health.
According to the Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan
(2022-2026), over 99% of children and all adults in Kenya experience at least
one dental issue, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventive
care.
Globally, oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people,
and dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease remain persistently high.
