Improving Oral Health and wellbeing in Vanuatu through the community promotion of toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and healthier food choices (WHO Results Report 2022)

WHO Mid-Term Results Report 2022-2023 Country Impact Story

Vanuatu’s 2017 National Oral Health Survey revealed that 5 to 7 year old children had a high prevalence of tooth decay (70 percent), bleeding gums (77 percent), and toothache (10 percent) in their primary teeth which had a negative impact on their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. 40 percent of the children rarely or never brushed their teeth so, in response to excessive sugar consumption and inadequate tooth brushing habits, WHO Vanuatu supported the Government to implement the ‘Healthy Tooth School Programme’, known as the Gudfala Tut Skul Program (GTSP). The 20-week trial of the supervised tooth brushing programme in selected kindergartens and primary schools resulted in significantly reduced plaque scores and improved oral habits in the students and their families. The success of the programme has seen it expand to 51 kindergartens and primary schools in 3 provinces, benefiting over 5 000 children and an estimated 25 000 family members. GTSP aims to target rural areas to reach all 5 to 7 year old children in Vanuatu by 2023.

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