“Tooth Brushing Day: A Colorful Celebration for Healthier Smiles!”

The 17th annual National Tooth Brushing Day was a vibrant celebration at Nehru Memorial Primary School, uniting hundreds of students, teachers, and health officials to promote children’s oral health. Organized by Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) Pte Ltd, alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Ministry of Education, this event emphasized the importance of preventive health through a strong public-private partnership aimed at enhancing community health outcomes.

Colgate-Palmolive Fiji’s Marketing Manager, Jyotika Devi, described the initiative as a significant part of their global program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, which has positively impacted thousands of children in the region. During the event, students were taught essential dental hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily, replacing toothbrushes every three months, and ensuring to change their toothbrush after becoming ill.

The event included an engaging tooth brushing demonstration, known as the “Brush Off,” where students enthusiastically brushed their teeth in unison, filling the atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm. Health officials from both ministries were present to showcase their ongoing support for the campaign and to underline its alignment with nationwide health objectives for the youth.

A representative from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services highlighted the effectiveness of the collaboration with Colgate in addressing oral health issues among children, stating, “Teaching healthy habits from a young age is one of the best ways to prevent disease.” This partnership exemplifies how the government and private sector can cooperate to achieve meaningful public health outcomes.

Looking ahead, organizers are already discussing plans to broaden the event’s reach next year, with aspirations to include more schools, continuing the mission to build a healthier Fiji, one smile at a time. This positive ongoing commitment showcases the power of community collaboration in fostering better health practices for the future generations of Fiji.