Uasin Gishu County is the first County in Kenya to implement an oral health care tooth brushing school program after Mexico.

The Kenya National Oral Health survey indicates that five-year-old children are particularly vulnerable to oral conditions which carry a prevalence of 46 per cent and gingivitis 99.5 per cent.

These were the sentiments of Governor Dr Jonathan Bii during the launch of Koti Oral Health Care Program at the County headquarters, where he noted that his administration has prioritized the health and welfare of the young learners recognizing it as a valuable investment in the long-term dental health.

The Theme “inculcating good and oral hygiene practices at an early age” highlights the importance of instilling good oral hygiene at an early age starting with the pupils in the schools.

Dr Bii noted that through the partnership with Colgate Palmolive, Koti Oral health care program will not only be realized but also impactful therefore ensuring that all the learners in the 673 ECDEs receive training on good oral health hygiene practices.

“Our focus will be providing pupils with toothbrushes, toothpaste and training in proper handwashing techniques thus benefiting their physical health as well as establishing a foundation of lifetime good dental habits,” said Dr Bii.

Uasin Gishu County Assembly Health Committee Vice Chair who also doubles up as Kapsoya Ward Member of County Assembly Hon Isaac Kirwa pledged the County Assembly’s commitment and support to see the success of the program and its implementation.

Health Services County Executive Committee Member, Dr Abraham Serem, noted that the exercise is a three-times child brushing program(one in school and two at home), with parents brushing two times a day at home therefore the partnership will enable access to water for the learners in school through the drilling of two boreholes per Sub County.

On his part, Promotive and Preventive Health Chief Officer, Dr Paul Wangwe, said the in-school brushing program will see a decrease in cavities among the learners, as well as reduce infections related to poor hygiene, and ultimately, positive self-esteem among the learners.

The exercise later saw the distribution of oral health care kits at Munyaka and Simotwo Primary Schools in Ainabkoi and Moiben Sub Counties.

Present also were top county officials.