In a significant step towards improving oral health across Sierra Leone, the Department of Oral Health recently concluded a crucial meeting with key health development partners. The meeting, held on January 17, 2024, at the EOC conference hall in Cockrill, Freetown, aimed to provide comprehensive input for the formulation of the National Oral Health Strategic Plan (NOHSP).

Organized by the World Health Organization- Sierra Leone Country Office in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health, the National Stakeholders’ kickoff meeting gathered various stakeholders to discuss the formulation and importance of the NOHSP.

The objective was to obtain recommendations that would contribute to the design of a robust National Oral Health Strategic Plan for Sierra Leone. Among the prominent figures present were Youth Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, National Youth Commissioner Ahmed Atata Mansaray, and Presidential Youth Adviser Desmond Pessima.

The meeting began with a welcome address from the chairman, Dr. Santigi Sesay, who also serves as the Director for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). Dr. Sesay emphasized the significance of oral health, noting that some districts in Sierra Leone lack Oral Health service centers, posing a challenge to healthcare delivery.

He urged the Department of Oral Health to actively engage with health stakeholders and work towards positive changes in the oral health landscape. The discussions unfolded with an active participation, focusing on promoting oral health in the country.

Dr. Alhassan Sheriff, a staff member at the Department of Oral Health, highlighted the historical sidelining of oral health issues and emphasized the need for immediate action to bring about positive change. Charles Mambu, Executive Director of Health For All Coalition, stressed the importance of popularizing oral health as a public health concern and urged for effective implementation of strategic plans.

During the meeting, contributions from representatives of the Inter-religious council, traditional healers, and the Civil Society played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes. Dr. Sheriff pointed out the challenges, stating that Sierra Leone faces a shortage of dentists, with one dentist serving a population of 4,500 people, in contrast to the WHO standard of one dentist per 4,500 people.

He highlighted the access challenges in districts like Bonthe, Pujehun, Kailahun, and Falaba, calling for increased awareness around oral health and encouraging regular visits to health centers for better healthcare attention.

In conclusion, the meeting concluded with a collective commitment to addressing oral health challenges in Sierra Leone. The efforts of the Department of Oral Health, in collaboration with health development partners, aim to formulate and implement a National Oral Health Strategic Plan, ensuring improved oral health for the nation. The significance of oral health, integral to general well-being, was underscored as the nation moves towards a healthier future.