The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, has taken oral health services to inmates at Lira Main Prison as part of activities marking World Oral Health Day.
The outreach brought together officials from the Ministry of Health, the Uganda Prisons Service, and Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) to provide screening, treatment, and education on oral hygiene to prisoners.
Oral health conditions, including dental caries—the most prevalent—are among the 10 most common non-communicable diseases globally.
In Uganda, dental caries affects 66 percent of adults and 35-40 percent of children aged 1-9.
Dr. Gilvas Mubangizi, Principal Dental Surgeon at the Ministry of Health, notes that despite its prevalence, oral health receives limited attention and funding.
As of today, Lira Government Prison had 913 inmates, one debtor, and 31 prisoners out of station.
Officials say limited manpower and insufficient medical supplies remain major challenges in providing oral health services.
Maureen Nambi, Officer in Charge of Lira Women’s Prison, explains that many prison health centers operate at a basic level and lack dental services altogether.
This year’s World Oral Health Day celebration will be held in Lira City on the 10th of April under the theme: A Happy Mouth, Happy Life.
By URN
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