By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
Ghanaian dental surgeon and FDI Global Ambassador for World Oral Health Day, Dr. Louisa Satekla, has called for stronger collaboration between Ghana’s Ministry of Education and the World Dental Federation (FDI) to promote oral health education in schools across the country.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Dr. Satekla emphasized the urgent need to address oral health challenges among Ghanaian children. She highlighted the prevalence of dental diseases such as dental caries and gum infections, which often impact students’ overall well-being and academic performance.
To help children develop lifelong habits of proper oral hygiene, she advocated for strategic interventions to integrate oral health education into the school curriculum.
As part of her proposals, Dr. Louisa recommended the official recognition of March 20th as World Oral Health Day in Ghanaian schools. She urged the Ministry of Education to promote classroom discussions, awareness campaigns, and interactive sessions with dental professionals to sensitize students on oral hygiene practices.
Additionally, she stressed the need for practical oral health programs that engage students, teachers, and parents while ensuring schools have access to basic oral hygiene tools. She encouraged government partnerships with private organizations to provide resources and training for better oral health education.
Dr. Satekla also proposed the introduction of a Sugar-Free School Policy to regulate the consumption of sugary snacks and beverages in school canteens. She suggested replacing sugary drinks with healthier alternatives such as water and fresh fruits to prevent dental-related health issues among children.
In response, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged the lack of attention given to dental health in Ghana and expressed his commitment to incorporating oral health education into the country’s education system.
“The health of our children must be a top priority, and oral health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. The Ministry of Education is fully committed to working closely with key stakeholders to integrate oral health education into our schools and ensure that every child has access to preventive dental care,” Hon. Iddrisu affirmed.
He recognized the importance of early preventive care and assured Dr. Satekla that the Ministry would collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Dental Association, to implement sustainable oral health initiatives.
Hon. Iddrisu also commended Dr. Satekla for her dedication to promoting oral health awareness and her continuous efforts to improve global dental health standards.
Dr. Louisa Satekla was recently announced as the FDI World Dental Federation Global Ambassador for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year ahead of the 2025 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) campaign.
As part of her role, she will lead efforts to amplify this year’s message that oral health is foundational to mental resilience and physical vitality. She will also spearhead initiatives targeting underserved populations, reinforcing FDI’s mission to bridge global oral health disparities.
These initiatives will include educational programs, interactive community events, and social media campaigns aimed at promoting accessible oral health practices worldwide.
