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Programs > Partner Initiatives > Oral Healthcare MCW ORAL HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT IN TANZANIA 2011 Update
Background Oral healthcare has historically been marginalized all over the world; and Tanzania is no exception. In this East African country, international development efforts have focused primarily on the economy, malaria and HIV-AIDs, corruption, infrastructure, and education. While these issues need to be dealt with, oral healthcare—an integral part of a society’s and an individual’s state of health, quality of life and well-being—has not yet been addressed systematically. The Tanzanian government acknowledges that there is a gap in this area of healthcare. MCW strives to bridge that gap. As a step in this direction, MCW is now working closely with the country's leadership, particularly the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to create a sustainable and integrated oral healthcare system that meets the needs of all Tanzanians. MCW is grateful to have the support of a broad cross-section of Tanzanians, including President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, in this endeavor. Mission The mission of MCW’s Oral Healthcare Improvement program is to achieve lasting oral health improvement in Tanzania by bringing public and private sector partners together to leverage their collective resources and expertise. Informed by its ten-year history in Tanzania, MCW’s integrated approach involves enhancing all aspects of the oral healthcare system through capacity building, including physical infrastructure (facility and equipment maintenance and repair), training oral healthcare professionals, and working to strengthen the educational institutions. In addition, MCW's direct dental outreach efforts center on two dental outreach projects at the Liana Cohen Dental Clinic in Songea each year. |
Oral Healthcare Projects:
To support this program,
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