Grand Opening Ceremony of World Oral Health Day 2025 Celebration in Ethiopia

Event Overview:
The Grand Celebration of World Oral Health Day 2025 will be held at the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia, on March 19, 2025. This landmark event, organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Dental Professionals Association, Unilever Ethiopia (Signal Brand), and the Ministry of Health, aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and advocate for improved policies and access to oral healthcare in Ethiopia.

The event will bring together key stakeholders, including dental professionals, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector, to highlight the critical role of oral health in overall well-being and to promote actionable strategies for achieving better oral health outcomes nationwide.

Program Highlights:

1. Opening Ceremony:
   • Welcome remarks by the President of the Ethiopian Dental Professionals Association (EDPA).
   • Keynote address by a delegate from the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving oral health infrastructure and access.
   • Address by a representative from Unilever Ethiopia (Signal Brand), highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in advancing oral health education and care.
2. Oral Health Education Session:
   • Interactive presentations and workshops led by dental professionals, focusing on:
     • The importance of oral hygiene practices.
     • The link between oral health and systemic diseases.
     • Preventive measures to combat common oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
   • Distribution of educational materials and oral hygiene kits to participants.
3. Oral Health Screening:
   • Free oral health screenings for staff and members of the Ministry of Health, conducted by licensed dental professionals.
   • Personalized oral health advice and recommendations for participants.
4. Advocacy and Policy Discussion:
   • Panel discussion on "Advancing Oral Health in Ethiopia: Policy, Access, and Equity", featuring:
     • Representatives from the Ministry of Health.
     • Dental professionals and advocates.
     • Private sector partners.
   • Focus on strategies to integrate oral health into primary healthcare systems, improve access to dental services, and address disparities in oral health care delivery.
5. Closing Remarks and Call to Action:
   • Summary of key takeaways from the event.
   • A unified call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize oral health as a fundamental component of public health.