Kenya joined global leaders in spotlighting oral health as a critical component of the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during a high-level roundtable and reception held at Goals House, Tavern on the Green, New York.
The event, organised by Colgate-Palmolive, evaluated global progress in combating oral diseases and explored impactful interventions to improve population health worldwide.
Representing the Government of Kenya, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to accelerating progress against NCDs through innovative, integrated, and equity-centred approaches.
He noted that nearly half of the world’s population suffers from oral diseases closely linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, adding that oral health must be elevated within the global NCD agenda.
Dr. Oluga highlighted Kenya’s advances, including the National Oral Health Policy (2022–2030) and National Oral Health Strategic Plan, both of which embed oral health in broader health sector reforms.
He further cited the inclusion of an oral health module in the 2025 National STEP Survey, integration of oral health into community health promoter training, and the success of Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached over 15 million Kenyan children.
The Principal Secretary called for cross-sector collaboration, emphasising that oral health intersects with education, agriculture, environment, and finance, and urged the global community to adopt policies that reflect its strategic role in reducing the burden of NCDs.
Distinguished guests at the event included Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation; Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children US; and Dr. Maria Ryan, Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive.
