Nagaland wins award for oral health activities

DIMAPUR — The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), India, has declared Nagaland as the best performing state in the small states category for its outstanding activities conducted from March 20 to April 20, 2025 as part of the World Oral Health Day 2025 activities.

An update from the department of Health and Family Welfare stated that the national recognition was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the oral health professionals, staff and healthcare workers at all levels.

In response to the announcement, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, joint director (dental) and NOHP state nodal officer, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and National Oral Health Programme, India, for the honour.

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“We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NOHP India for this recognition. This award belongs to everyone in the department, all the senior officials (including those who have retired) and officials of the directorate and districts, all dental and NHM staff, all dental surgeons in all the dental health units, IDA-NSB, every healthcare worker, volunteer, partners, schools, police, churches, orphanages, care-centres, old age homes, special schools and the community at large, who contributed to making our World Oral Health Day 25 activities impactful and inclusive.

“With NOHP India’s continued guidance and support, we remain committed to advancing oral and dental health awareness and service across Nagaland especially in underserved and remote areas. We also acknowledge the collaborative spirit across districts and health units in making this achievement possible. This accolade will further motivate the State to continue building strong, community centered Oral and Health systems that align with National Goals and Priorities.”

The activities conducted included awareness programmes and screening for schools and communities with special emphasis on proper brushing techniques and  distribution of toothpaste-toothbrushes, pledge taking, IEC activities like putting up banners and posters and distribution of leaflets and pamphets, poster/ painting/ essay/ reels-making competitions on the theme with prizes, marathon and walkathon.

Other activities included interaction with church leaders and village elders with distribution of toothpastes-toothbrushes and gift hampers, awareness and screening for jawans and families,  putting up ‘Selfie booths’ for oral health awareness, outreach programme for marginalised sections of people such as visiting orphanages, care-centres, old age homes, special schools with distribution of toothpaste- toothbrushes and gift hampers, denture camps for old age home inmates and villagers in remote areas who do not have access to denture facilities. 

It further stated that dental health camps were also conducted in all 11 districts and all 38 dental health units where dental surgeons are posted.