Geneva: Colgate-Palmolive announced a new multi-year collaboration with the WHO Foundation to support the World Health Organization's global oral health initiatives. The four-year funding commitment will expand oral health education, support integration into national health systems, and raise awareness of oral health as a public health priority, according to a statement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Colgate-Palmolive President, Enterprise Oral Care, Ram Raghavan emphasized the company's dedication to reimagining a healthier future for all and making more smiles. He highlighted the importance of oral health in the global health agenda and the company's commitment to prevention and education, supporting evidence-based solutions to strengthen health systems worldwide.

Meanwhile, WHO Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Anil Soni, noted the foundation's role in mobilizing private funding to support WHO's mission and public health priorities. He stressed the essential role of oral health in overall health and the need for long-term investments in prevention, guidance, and robust health systems.

Oral health remains underprioritized in many health systems, influenced by factors such as economic status, education, health literacy, and access to care. Poor oral health can significantly impact children's well-being, leading to pain, emotional distress, and hindrances in education.

Through this partnership, Colgate and the WHO Foundation aim to address barriers affecting approximately half of the world's population. The focus will be on promoting oral health as a core component of public health systems, scaling oral health education, supporting evidence-based research and policy development, and raising global awareness.

The initiative builds on Colgate's existing programs like Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, which has reached approximately two billion children and families since 1991. The collaboration comes amid growing recognition of oral health as a global health priority, highlighted at the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases.

Colgate and the WHO Foundation aim to enhance health outcomes by promoting preventive oral care, evidence-based policy, and greater public awareness of oral health's connection to overall well-being.