The assisted partnership project between University Medical Center Mainz and the Uganda Dental Association plans to enhance the dental health of primary schoolchildren in Kaberamaido District by educating children at schools.
Problem: Dental disease is one of the main causes of death in Uganda. According to statistics, some 80 per cent of children in Uganda have tooth decay. The reason is the lack of knowledge about check-ups and treatment options. Rural areas like Kaberamaido District are particularly badly affected. People there frequently consult only village healers when they have dental problems.
Main activities: The project partners work with local hospital staff to set up room in schools where primary schoolchildren can have regular dental check-ups. In addition, teachers and local authorities are to attend seminars explaining about dental health. German and Ugandan colleagues together devise campaigns to inform the people in the region about the work of the project.
Short-term results: Schools are to give children a basic understanding of oral hygiene and dental disease. At schools, medical professionals are to conduct regular check-ups.
Long-term results: The project is intended to help reduce the number of deaths in the region resulting from dental disease.