Community Mobilisation for Oral Health at the PHC level

OBJECTIVE: To mobilize members of the community and ensure full community participation in a project aimed at establishing a model for Primary Oral Health Care (POHC) in Nigeria. METHOD: The project which involves health education, establishment of a dental clinic and community participation is being implemented in the Ife North Local Government area of Osun state Nigeria. It is a partnership between the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the Ife North Local Government Council. It is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. A Management Committee consisting of representatives of the leading groups in the community were included in the planning and implementation of the project. The traditional rulers, representatives of market women, religious bodies, and the ministry of health played essential roles in community mobilization. RESULT: Community acceptance for the project has been very high. Dental awareness and patronage has drastically increased in the community. The dental clinic has also been serving communities within and beyond the Ife North Local Government area. CONCLUSION: Community participation is an essential factor in ensuring the success of Primary Health Care activities and projects.

(Supported by the Carnegie Corporation, New York. (Grant B D 02085.R01)