Développement humain et social
Health

Children aged 0-5, their parents and teachers, paediatricians, midwives and nurses, general public

According to a report from 2008, 85.5% of all 6-year old children in Poland suffer from dental caries, having on average ca. five teeth affected (average for Western Europe - one tooth). In addition only 15% of the teeth affected by dental caries are treated, while the corresponding rate for Western Europe is 80%. Additionally the comparison to the WHO objectives for oral health hygiene presents a dramatically poor condition of the oral health of Polish children. Finally, there are considerable discrepancies between the regions in Poland itself – the percentage of children with primary teeth free from caries is ranging from 6% in the Dolnośląskie voivodship to 27.5% in the Opolskie voivodship.

The overall goal is to reduce prevalence and incidence of dental caries in children aged 0-5. The specific objectives are: (i): promotion of appropriate oral hygiene practices and rules of using fluoride-containing products (toothpastes); (ii): promotion of good dietary habits and food texture awareness; (iii): counteracting harmful oral hygiene and dietary habits and practices;

Trainings of paediatricians, nurses, midwives, teachers are going to be organised. 300’000 toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes among children aged 3-5 are going to be distributed. In addition, the preparation of promotional and informational materials seeks to support core activities in order to increase the awareness of population. 30-seconds TV spot promoting the project and its objectives, nationwide press notices, articles in regional press, posters, leaflets and project website are planned.

The expected results are:

• One educational programme developed, implemented by nine medical universitites
• Oral health prevention for 400’000 children (0-2 years old) through parents, nurses, midwives and doctors.
• Ca. 87’000 children (3-5 years old) directly covered by educators’ activities and ca. 213’000 by trained nursery teachers
• 1’350 nurses and midwives, 200 paediatricians and 15’000 nursery teachers trained
• 230’000 parents covered by trainings or educational materials