World Oral Health Day and International Day of Happiness both fall on March 20, and to recognize the importance of this day, the Mars Wrigley Foundation is spotlighting one of our longstanding partners – Save the Children(Opens a new window).
The MW Foundation has collaborated with Save the Children through their School Health and Nutrition program(Opens a new window), a multifaceted initiative dedicated to revolutionizing oral health and hygiene education in communities across Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
The program aims to equip children, families and educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to cultivate lifelong habits of dental care and hygiene. Through a combination of dental screenings, health education sessions, improvements in school facilities, and trainings, the School Health and Nutrition program not only addresses immediate oral health needs but fosters a culture of wellbeing through nutrition and health education, as well as preventive care in areas that face real challenges to access and resources.
By collaborating with local, government and private partners and leveraging innovative approaches on promoting children’s participation and peer-to-peer learning such as the Little Doctors initiative and Child Health Promoters, the program empowers schools and communities to nurture their wellbeing, which ultimately improves lives and inspires happiness. Last year alone, more than 1 million people were impacted by the program in these communities.
Indonesia
In Indonesia last year, the program reached teachers, parents, health workers and students in 85 schools, including children with disabilities. These efforts contribute to increased healthy behavior practices, such as regular toothbrushing, handwashing and improved diet.
Nengsi, a dedicated dentist in North Luwu, South Sulawesi, has witnessed the impact firsthand. She was shocked by the dire state of oral health among children in her community. With a staggering 83% of children suffering from tooth decay, Nengsi knew she had to act and spread oral health education among the schools of North Luwu.
When the School Health and Nutrition program arrived, it provided a framework for a more effective approach to preventative care, allowing Nengsi and her team to embark on assessing the oral health of all students while providing them with education on the importance of preventative care.
Oral health education is now being integrated into existing school programs while certain schools have created a special day to carry out mass toothbrushing practices. Through innovative approaches like the Little Doctors initiative, where students lead their peers in practicing healthy habits, Nengsi saw a gradual shift in attitudes towards oral health and an increased number in children returning for follow-ups. By prioritizing preventive measures, the program lays the groundwork for a healthier future where children can thrive without the burden of dental issues.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, the focus includes improving school facilities, organizing Child Health Promoters and providing conditional cash grants with training to selected families. These efforts have led to improved hygiene practices, positive parenting practices and better access to health services. Fewer sick days have been recorded due to improved hygiene practices through better water and hygiene facilities and disease prevention initiatives.
In the municipality of Tanay, Louisa* emerged as a young role model for health advocacy. Her journey began when her family received the Save the Children's Conditional Cash Grants to help alleviate the hardships they faced due to poverty. She was later invited to join the Child Health Promoter training. Through this program, Louisa discovered the power of knowledge of oral health care and personal hygiene. By adopting healthy habits herself and spreading awareness among her peers and siblings, Louisa shows the ripple effect of education.
Today, she meticulously brushes her teeth, "I didn't always brush my teeth. There were days when I didn't clean my teeth all day. When I learned about the possible consequences of not cleaning one's teeth and how it can induce toothache, I started brushing my teeth. I now clean my teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, for three minutes," she says (translated).
Her commitment to promoting health and hygiene not only improves her individual wellbeing but strengthens community resilience against preventable diseases. *Name changed for protection.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, the School Health and Nutrition program has been active for over 12 years in different provinces and cities of Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh and Tien Giang. The project focuses on improving knowledge, attitudes and practices of students on oral health care and other school health issues.
Utilizing a range of activities, the project strives to bolster students' hygiene and nutrition practices, elevate school-based health and nutrition education, facilitate the provision of health and nutrition services, establish safe learning environments and advocate for supportive school health policies and community involvement.
Teacher training and health education programs have made significant contributions to saving lives, as demonstrated by a recent first aid training session at Thien Tri Primary-Secondary School. Ms. My, a member of the school's health staff, participated in first aid training provided by the program. Her training proved invaluable when she needed to assist a ninth-grade student who collapsed during break time. Drawing on her training, Ms. My knew the importance of air circulation. By promptly clearing the student's airway and stabilizing his condition, she highlights the impact of first aid education in school settings.
As Ms. My recalls, “This is one of the most impressive, useful and practical training courses I have had during the past 11 years at the school.”
Save the Children and Mars Wrigley Foundation’s School Health and Nutrition program exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives in driving sustainable change and nurturing wellbeing. From dental screenings and first aid training to health education and advocacy, this approach is improving lives one child at a time.
