Abstract:
A consortium of 8 organizations implemented an oral hygiene intervention in one of the IDP camps in Adamawa State on the 31st October, 1st, 4th, and 5th of November, 2019. The intervention included services such as scaling and polishing, tooth extraction, fillings, as well as a workshop on oral hygiene.
During the intervention, the IDPs were engaged in answering questionnaires to ascertain their knowledge and practices of oral hygiene. Analysis of the filled questionnaire showed a high knowledge of oral hygiene and admirable practices. However, the majority of the respondents also reported instances of toothaches and teeth removal, prompting the theory that although the IDPs understand the importance of oral hygiene and practice it. However, they may not be doing so properly by not using the right cleaning materials, or due to the lack the nutrition for healthy gums and teeth.
Organizations and well-wishers have been called upon to intervene in the lives of the IDPs to keep their hope alive and try to mitigate their suffering as much as possible. It has also been recommended that before any intervention is carried out in IDP camps, adequate awareness campaigns should precede it, in order to educate, inform, and finally persuade the IDPs of their need to participate in the proceeding intervention.
The overall assessment from this oral hygiene outreach demonstrates the need to integrate oral healthcare into routine primary healthcare delivery with an emphasis on awareness. This can be achieved and can also be sustainable with the full cooperation of primary, secondary, tertiary health professionals working alongside international health agencies.
