By Eric Haurupma – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Health Department in partnership with Colgate Palmolive is embarking on implementing an oral health care program in the country.
Focusing mainly on addressing cavity, the program will be regulated in schools and health clinics.
The World Health Organisation says that cavity or tooth decay is a chronic disease around the world. About 9 out of 10 people suffer from cavities.
PNG’s Chief Dentist and Oral surgeon, Matup Apaio said the health department has played a central role in addressing this issue by facilitating anti-cavity campaigns in schools and clinics to help fight against this disease.
Dr. Apaio said in PNG about 3 out of every 10 people have been diagnosed with having cavities. Many are mainly children between the ages of 5 to 12 years old.
“Cavity is formed from chewing sugary foods. It has the potential of causing mouth cancer if not been treated”, he added.
The health department is now partnering with Colgate Palmolive to educate people on the health aspects of maintaining good and healthy teeth.
“It is through school awareness, oral health clinics and media that much awareness will be done to educate people in the rural areas”, he says.
Eric Haurupma is a UPNG Journalism student.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_DyUGU3O2fA%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
