About Us

Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH) for Africa

The Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH) for Africa was established following the recommendations of the International Congress of Oral Health Research Needs and Training in Africa held in Lagos, Nigeria, in February 1982, with the goal of creating a dedicated centre for oral health research, training, and demonstration across the African region.
Following extensive discussions, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed an agreement to establish the centre. In 1988, ICOH was formally inaugurated in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with a mandate to serve 50 collaborating countries in the African region and all Nigerian states.
In 2000, the Nigerian Federal Government recognized ICOH as a full-fledged parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health. A subsequent name change was proposed in 2002 to the Regional Centre for Oral Health Research and Training Initiatives (RCORTI) for Africa. However, as this name was not enacted into law, the Centre continues to operate as ICOH for Africa.

Brief History of ICOH for Africa

1982

The International Congress of Oral Health Research Needs and Training in Africa which was held in Lagos, Nigeria from the 1st -5th of February 1982, recommended the establishment of the Centre to be known as the “Intercountry Demonstration, Training and Research Centre for African Region”

A resolution was later issued to establish the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH) for Africa in Jos, Nigeria following which a World Health Organization monograph (WHO ORH. CONF./82.1) was issued

1988

The World Health Organization monograph (WHO ORH. CONF./82.1) formed the working document and the basis of which an agreement was signed between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the WHO African Region.
The Centre was formally inaugurated to commence operations in 1988
The office is located in Jos, Plateau State.

• ICOH was established to cater for 50 collaborating countries in the African Region and ALL the states in Nigeria
• Other ICOH Centers had been established in Damascus, Syria – East Mediterranean Region of the WHO
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – South East Asian Region
• Quito Ecuador – for the Americas
• Belarus – for the European Region
• About 30 WHO collaborating Centers spread across the world

2000

The Federal Government of Nigeria approved the Centre as a full-fledged parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Health (Ref. Memorandum EC (2000) Meeting Conclusion 9)

Core Objectives

Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet it remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in underserved communities. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach centered on innovation, prevention, research, and education. Key objectives include developing and evaluating innovative oral healthcare delivery models, implementing field demonstration programs for disease prevention, and conducting comprehensive oral health research to inform evidence-based practices. Additionally, organizing scientific seminars, courses, and workshops aims to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration among professionals. Targeted training programs for dental practitioners and primary healthcare workers further enhance capacity building, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of addressing diverse oral health needs. Together, these efforts strive to improve access to quality oral healthcare and promote sustainable, long-term solutions.

To develop and evaluate innovative oral healthcare delivery models

To implement field demonstration programs for oral disease prevention

To conduct and coordinate comprehensive oral health research

To organize scientific seminars, courses, and workshops

To provide targeted training programs for dental professionals and primary healthcare workers

Research and Training Achievements

The Centre has made significant contributions to oral health research, investigating critical areas such as listed. Through workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs, the Centre has consistently worked to educate and empower primary healthcare workers, school teachers, students, and community groups.

NOMA
Dental caries
Periodontal diseases
Dental Trauma
Oral Manifestation of HIV/AIDS
Oral Cancers
Dental Fluorosis
Craniofacial abnormalities
And others...

ICOH for Africa

Enhancing and strengthening collaborative research and training efforts among WHO African Regional member countries, aligned with the WHO Oral Health Strategy for Regional Health Sector Reform.