INTRODUCTION
In commemoration of World Oral Health Day, the Anchors for Public Health and Nutrition Initiative (APHNI) organized an oral health awareness outreach at Namu Model Secondary School, Maiduguri, Borno State, on 13th March 2026. The outreach aimed to educate secondary school students on proper oral hygiene practices, raise awareness about common oral health problems, and encourage preventive oral care behaviours.
OBJECTIVES
• To educate students on proper oral hygiene practices
• To raise awareness about common oral health problems
• To encourage preventive oral care behaviours among students
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
• Oral health presentation
• Interactive icebreaker session
• Demonstration of proper tongue scraping techniques
• Myths and facts discussion on oral health
• Distribution of oral hygiene materials, including toothbrushes and tongue scrapers
KEY MESSAGES DELIVERED
• Good oral hygiene requires consistent daily practice, including proper brushing and tongue scraping
• Many common oral health problems can be prevented through simple, preventive habits
• Separating myths from facts helps students make informed decisions about their oral care
PARTICIPATION AND OBSERVATIONS
The 70 students who took part in the program actively participated and demonstrated strong interest in the learning activities. Evaluation responses indicated improved knowledge of oral hygiene practices among the students. The outreach also demonstrated strong teamwork among the volunteers and received full support from the school management.
OUTCOMES
• Increased student awareness of oral health issues
• Encouraged positive oral health behaviours among students
• Equipped students with practical tools for maintaining good oral hygiene
• Strengthened collaboration between APHNI and the school community
CONCLUSION
Overall, the program achieved its objectives of increasing awareness, encouraging positive oral health behaviours, and equipping students with practical tools for maintaining good oral hygiene. APHNI remains committed to promoting preventive health education among young people through school-based outreach initiatives.