Yesterday happened to have been International “World Oral Health Day”. It was against this background that Unilever’s leading oral care brand Pepsodent, launched its “Ako Ka Smile Ka Pepsodent” campaign.
Aligning with this year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body”, Pepsodent has therefore reinstated its commitment to improving oral health awareness and accessibility to dental care services, promoting oral health and bringing smiles to Uganda by establishing various initiatives.
To start with, Pepsodent has aligned free dental clinics nationwide, offering check-ups, consultations, and basic treatments throughout the month at select hospitals (Mulago Referral Hospital, St Francis Hospital Nsambya, Lubaga Hospital, Mengo Hospital and Gwatiro Hospital. Additionally, Pepsodent is set to distribute 60,000 units of free toothpaste bundled with Unilever products in supermarkets and retail stores nationwide.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Antony Esyalai, the Unilever Uganda, Managing Director expressed enthusiasm for the drive, stating, “We are proud to contribute to improving oral hygiene practices and promoting smiles across Uganda. Our mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their oral health and experience the confidence that comes with a healthy smile.”
In the same vein, the Unilever Uganda Category Development Manager, Kabugo Emmanuel, at emphasized Pepsodent’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. “Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, we aim to create lasting impact and foster positive change in oral health behaviours within our communities.”
The “Ako Ka Smile Ka Pepsodent” campaign was launched at Mengo Hospital where the toothpaste brand installed a toothpaste dispenser to provide patients with free Pepsodent over the next three months. They also provided free dental checks for over 150 people at the facility and subsidised tooth extractions and fillings.
“Mengo Hospital was started 126 years ago and we offer quality services that are affordable. Mengo Hospital’s Executive Director, Dr Simon Peter Nsingo appreciated the brand for the campaign and efforts saying: “I thank Unilever Uganda, through Pepsodent because your contributions in providing free and subsidised dental services have gone a long way in ensuring we meet our mandate.”