At least 1,500 people living in Kampala will be treated and given advice on oral hygiene at an annual dental awareness camp sponsored by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Rotary Club of Kampala North and Mulago Dental School.
According to a media statement, the camp, which started on December 12, ends today, Friday at Mulago Dental School.
Speaking at the launch of the camp on Tuesday, the deputy principal of Makerere University college of Health Sciences, Dr Isaac Okullo, said the camp provides an opportunity for disadvantaged individuals to get free dental treatment and consultation.
“Research from Mulago Dental School indicates that at least 90 per cent of Ugandans are suffering from the effects of poor oral hygiene. The dental camp is a way of giving back to the community through more advanced dental services other than the usual emergency treatment carried out at outreach programmes,” Okullo said, according to the statement.
The camp comprises a series of community dental health outreach activities aimed at providing free dental services to those who cannot afford it, mainly in the Kampala suburbs of Kamwokya, Kyebando, Bwaise, Kawaala, Mulago, Kivulu, Katanga, and Kalerwe.
According to the statement, free dental services which include screening, filling, tooth decay extraction, oral education among others, will be provided by doctors from Mulago hospital, Makerere University college of Health Sciences and other volunteer doctors around Kampala.
Barbra Arimi, the NSSF head of marketing and communications, said: “It is our endeavour to improve the quality of life of our communities through the various health care initiatives. We are delighted with the positive response received from the past dental camps and we shall continue to undertake such initiatives in the future and contribute to the well-being of people.”
Since 2007, the Rotary club has been refurbishing a teaching facility at the dental school, something that gave birth to the idea of a dental camp. Over the last five years, the NSSF funds to the camp have contributed to treatment of over 5,000 underprivileged people.
nangonzi@observer.ug