West Pokot County joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Oral Health Day at Makutano Primary School with a strong message on the importance of oral hygiene in achieving overall wellbeing.
The event was organised by Oral Health Mashinani, a CBO that champions oral health for children in less privileged schools/communities within the county.
The celebration was themed “A Happy Mouth, A Happy Life” and brought together health professionals, learning institutions, county officials, and development partners, all united in advocating for improved access to oral health services across the country, especially in underserved rural areas.
Among those present was Kiptanui Musa from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, alongside representatives from Mount Kenya University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and West Pokot County health officials.
Their participation underscored the importance of multi-sector collaboration in strengthening community health systems.
A key highlight of the day was the recognition of Christine Semekal, a Mount Kenya University alumna, for her efforts in championing oral health services through her initiative, Oral Health Mashinani.
Stakeholders praised her decision to serve rural communities rather than remain in urban centers, noting that her work aligns with the government’s bottom-up development agenda.
Her initiative, which began modestly by supporting just 17 children with toothbrushes and toothpaste, has since grown into a community-based movement focused on preventive care and oral health education.
Speaking during the event, participants expressed pride in her work and pledged continued support to expand outreach efforts across the county.
The event featured a range of activities aimed at promoting oral hygiene among young learners and the wider community. These included educational sessions on proper dental care, distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste, and on-site dental screenings.
Approximately 1,700 students at Makutano Primary School benefited from the outreach, with partners such as Mount Kenya University, Arrow Dental, the James Mine Foundation, the Red Cross, Glow Foundation, and referral hospital dentists supporting the exercise.
Organisers noted that combining education with access to hygiene supplies significantly increases the likelihood of long-term behaviour change among children.
Dr. James Alangole, a dentist at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital and a member of the Kenya Dental Association, led the dental team in marking the day.
He emphasised the importance of preventive care, describing the initiative as a timely intervention in improving community health.
He commended the county government for expanding dental services to sub-county hospitals in Kacheliba, Chepareria, and Sigor, noting that such efforts bring services closer to the people.
However, Dr. Alangole raised concern over the shortage of dental professionals in the county, revealing that only 18 dentists serve a population of over 620,000 people. He urged the county leadership to prioritize the employment of more dental practitioners to bridge the gap.
Benson Chumakemer, Director of Public Health in West Pokot, lauded the Oral Health Mashinani initiative for its commitment to improving oral health outcomes in the region.
He assured stakeholders of the county government’s continued support and encouraged the organisation to expand its reach to other sub-counties.
He also called on parents and guardians to play an active role in reinforcing oral hygiene practices at home by encouraging regular brushing and reducing children’s consumption of sugary foods.
As the celebrations concluded, stakeholders reiterated the need for every Kenyan to have access to oral health services, regardless of their location. They emphasised that sustained collaboration between institutions, government, and communities is key to ensuring lasting impact.
The event not only raised awareness but also demonstrated how grassroots initiatives, backed by strong partnerships, can transform health outcomes and improve lives, one smile at a time.
By Parklea Ivor
