At least 1500 people in Kampala will benefit from an annual dental awareness camp sponsored by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kampala North and the Makerere University Dental School.
The camp started December 12 and will run until Friday December 16, 2016 at the Dental School in Mulago.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Principle of the College of Health Sciences Makerere, Dr. Isaac Okullo, said: “The Dental School is grateful to the Rotary Club for having spearheaded the refurbishment of the teaching facility worth millions of shillings since 2007. This facility led to the idea of the dental camp as a way of giving back to the community through more advanced dental services other than the usual emergency treatment carried out at outreach programmes. Research from the Mulago Dental School indicates that at least 90 per cent of Ugandans are suffering from the effects of poor oral hygiene.”
“We are grateful to the National Social Security Fund for the sponsorship of this camp as it provides an opportunity for many disadvantaged individuals to get free treatment and consultations,” Dr Okullo added.
The Dental Camp will comprise a series of community dental health outreach activities aimed at providing free dental services to those who cannot afford it, mainly in Kamwokya, Kyebando, Bwaise, Kawaala, Mulago, Kivulu, Katanda, and Kaleerwe and surrounding areas.
Barbra Arimi, the NSSF Head of Marketing and Communications, said the institution aims at improving the quality of communities.
“It’s our endeavour to improve the quality of life of our communities through the various health care initiatives we undertake from time to time. 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 the communities.”
Over the last five years, the Fund has supported the Dental Camp, which has contributed to treatment of over 5,000 underprivileged people.
Dental treatment and health promotion services, according to Dr Okullo, will be provided by doctors from Mulago Hospital, Makerere University College of Health Sciences and other volunteer doctors from around Kampala. The camp is held in Mulago because of the facilities and high profile doctors available to offer the service.
Research shows that 90% of Ugandans suffer from oral-related illnesses and some of the free services provided during the clinic include screening, filling, tooth decay extraction, oral education among others.
