In a united effort to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, the Young Oral Health Mashinani Community-Based Organization (YOHM CBO) partnered with local health advocates, volunteers, and community members to mark this year’s World Oral Health Day in west Pokot County.
This year’s theme, “Be Proud of Your Mouth,” resonated strongly with the community-based organization’s mission to advocate for better health and hygiene practices, especially in rural and underrepresented areas.
The initiative featured a series of free dental checkups, oral health education sessions, and distribution of oral care supplies, ensuring everyone had the equipment they needed to improve their dental hygiene.
Speaking at Karas Comprehensive School during World Oral Health Day celebrations, the founder of the Young Oral Health Mashinani Community-Based Organization (YOHM CBO), Christine Semekal, underscored the importance of empowering school-going children with both knowledge and practical resources to promote long-term oral health.
Semekal shared that the organization’s outreach efforts are designed not only to teach children about the significance of oral hygiene but also to provide them with the necessary tools to implement what they have learned.
“We believe that knowledge is power, but it’s equally important to equip our students with the resources they need to put that knowledge into action, that is why, in addition to our educational programs, we ensure every student receives a dental care kit so they can start practicing healthy oral habits immediately,” she said.
She highlighted that children were essential part of the organization’s broader mission, as they are not only more likely to adopt good oral hygiene practices but also to pass on the knowledge they gain to their families.
“We are so excited to see the enthusiasm from these young people today, when children become champions for oral health, they can influence their families and friends, ultimately helping to improve the health standards in their communities,” she said.
With limited resources, she said, there is an urgent need to find partners who can support the organization in achieving its goals of improving oral health standards in local schools and communities.
“We have seen firsthand the positive changes that we are making in the lives of children and families, but there is so much more we can do with additional support,” she said.
Semekal appealed to the public and private sectors on the need for collective action to promote better health practices, especially in marginalized communities.
“Together, we can create a healthier future for all. If you or your organization is in a position to help, we welcome any support that will help us continue our work and reach more communities.” Semekal said.
The Development and Innovation Officer of Young Oral Health Mashinani Community-Based Organization (YOHM CBO), Vionah Makena, said that one of the key goals of the YOHM CBO is to ensure that children not only understand the importance of oral health but are also equipped with the right tools to take care of their teeth effectively.
“We aim to empower these children by teaching them the proper techniques to maintain their oral hygiene, we want to show them the correct way to brush their teeth, the importance of regular brushing, and how to maintain good oral hygiene every day, “Makena stated.
She emphasized that through interactive lessons and practical demonstrations, YOHM CBO was helping children to understand that taking care of their teeth was an essential part of their overall health.
“Our goal is not just to provide information, but to ensure that these children can actively implement what they learn in their daily lives,” Makena said.
A dentist and key partner in the World Oral Health Day event, Dr. Philip Lomang, emphasized the broader significance of oral health in overall well-being and stressed that oral hygiene was not just about brushing teeth, it was about understanding its crucial impact on overall health.
“It is not just about brushing your teeth. It is about understanding the vital role oral health plays in your overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to several preventable diseases, and by coming together as a community, we can create lasting changed,” Dr Lomang said.
The Headteacher of the Karas Comprehensive School, Charles Lomkereng, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Young Oral Health Mashinani Community-Based Organization (YOHM CBO) for their vital contribution to the health and well-being of students.
He highlighted the importance of incorporating oral health education into students’ lives, stating that many young people are often unaware of the significant impact that proper oral hygiene has on their overall health.
“With this program, our students are now equipped with the knowledge and tools to take better care of their oral health, which will help prevent a variety of dental issues that could impact their quality of life,” Lomkereng said.
Lomkereng also emphasized the long-term benefits of such programs, noting that, by teaching children good oral hygiene practices at an early age, the organization was contributing to their overall health and success.
“By investing in their oral health today, we are setting our students up for a healthier future,” he said.
The students expressed their eagerness to implement what they had learned, from proper brushing techniques to the importance of flossing and eating a healthy diet to support good oral health.
“We now realize that healthy teeth and gums are not just about looking good, they are about feeling good and staying healthy. We promise to take care of our teeth and teach our families and friends the right way to brush and take care of their oral health too,” students shared.
They expressed their commitment to taking what they learned and using it to positively influence their peers and families.
“We are now oral health champions, and we promise to act as role models for our friends and families, We will encourage them to take better care of their teeth and gums, just like we were taught today,” said the students.
By Agneta Chebet and Anthony Melly
