HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE IADR-GOHIRN SYMPOSIUM ON ORAL HEALTH IN AFRICA: CHALLENGES AND POSSIBILITIES

The Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa (ICOH) is proud to share highlights from the recently concluded IADR-GOHIRN Symposium on Oral Health in Africa: Challenges and Possibilities. This landmark event brought together leading experts in oral health research, policy, and public health to explore innovative solutions for improving oral health outcomes across the continent.

Dr. Olaniyi Taiwo, Director of ICOH, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Building Strong Institutions for Collaborative Oral Health Research in Africa.” His address emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships and developing sustainable strategies to advance oral health equity.

In this photo, Dr. Taiwo is pictured with distinguished panelists and symposium organizers dedicated to dental public health and oral health promotion in Africa:

To his left:
Professor Maha El Tantawi – Professor of Dental Public Health, Alexandria University
Professor Azeez Butali – Chair of the symposium and Professor of Oral Pathology, University of Iowa
Professor Morenike Ukpong – Professor of Paediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, Obafemi Awolowo University
Dr. Temitope Omoshebi – Consultant Public Health Dentist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital

To his right:
Dr. Yuka Makino – Technical Officer (Oral Health), WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville
Dr. Priscilla Ameh – Consultant, Department of Child Dental Health, Jos University Teaching Hospital

The symposium served as a vital platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen research collaborations, and advocate for policies that improve access to quality oral healthcare across Africa.

This engagement underscores ICOH’s commitment to driving impactful research, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting policies that advance oral health and reduce health inequalities on the continent.