The Global Oral Health Initiative #GOHI, in Partnership with Anchor Eco and ES of Women, Visits Ngoma Women’s Correctional Facility

At the heart of meaningful change is the recognition that health is a basic human right—no matter where you are or what circumstances you find yourself in. On Feb-24-2024, the Global Oral Health Initiative (#GOHI), in collaboration with Anchor Eco and ES of Women at the national level, made a significant stride toward promoting health equity by visiting the Ngoma Women’s Correctional Facility. This visit was more than just an outreach; it was about education, empowerment, and building lasting relationships centered around one of the most overlooked aspects of health—oral hygiene.

A Mission of Change

GOHI’s mission has always been to combat oral health disparities and bring awareness to the importance of oral hygiene, particularly in underserved populations. Women in correctional facilities are a community that often falls through the cracks when it comes to health education and preventive care. Their environment, isolation, and limited resources can create barriers to essential health practices like oral hygiene, which, if neglected, can contribute to a range of health problems—including non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

To help bridge this gap, GOHI teamed up with Anchor Eco, an organization dedicated to sustainability and community well-being, and ES of Women at the national level. Together, we visited Ngoma Women’s Correctional Facility with a clear objective: to inform and empower women inmates about proper oral hygiene practices while providing the tools they need to maintain these practices daily.

Spreading Awareness: Oral Hygiene and its Importance

During our visit, we held an informative session with the women inmates, explaining the significance of oral hygiene not just for their mouths, but for their overall well-being. Many people don’t realize that poor oral health can lead to other serious conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. These issues are often heightened in places where access to regular dental care is limited, which makes education and preventive care all the more critical.

We talked about:

- The basics of oral hygiene: How to properly brush and floss to avoid issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

- The link between oral health and general health: How oral infections or neglected dental care can lead to more severe health problems, especially non-communicable diseases like heart disease.

- Creating sustainable hygiene habits: How they can continue to care for their oral health daily despite their environment.

The women were engaged, eager to learn, and had many insightful questions that sparked meaningful discussions about health and wellness.
 A Gift of Care: Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Beyond providing information, we were also able to offer tangible support. Each woman at the facility received a care package consisting of a toothbrush and toothpaste—1,311 in total. This simple but essential act ensures that the women have the tools they need to practice good oral hygiene. By equipping them with these resources, we hope to instill a sense of self-care and dignity, reinforcing that they too deserve the opportunity to take care of their health.

Beating NCDs, One Brush at a Time

This initiative also ties into the larger global health movement to #BeatNCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases). Many NCDs are closely linked to lifestyle factors, including hygiene and diet. By promoting oral hygiene in correctional facilities, we are addressing one of the many preventable causes of NCDs. Small changes, such as regular brushing and flossing, can make a significant difference in preventing the onset of these diseases.

Moving Forward: A Commitment to Health Equity

The visit to Ngoma Women’s Correctional Facility was a reminder of the power of education and community. It reaffirmed GOHI’s commitment to expanding access to oral health education and resources, particularly for those in underserved and often forgotten communities. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners—Anchor Eco and ES of Women—for their support and shared vision in making this initiative possible.

As we continue our journey to promote oral health equity, we recognize that this is just the beginning. Every toothbrush distributed, every person educated is a step toward a world where everyone, regardless of their situation, has the knowledge and means to maintain their health.

Together, we are not only improving oral hygiene but contributing to the global fight to #BeatNCDs.