An advocacy project to fluoridate toothpastes in Nepal

Abstract

Aims: To describe a recent health promotion project undertaken by the United Mission to Nepal Oral Health Programme (UMN OHP) to increase the availability and consumption of affordable, fluoridated toothpaste in Nepal. Method: The process of advocating for the fluoridation of toothpastes in Nepal is based on Tearfund's advocacy cycle. Results: The project achieved health promotion outcomes including healthy corporate and public policies and organisational practice and intermediate outcomes such as increased availability and consumption of affordable fluoridated toothpaste. Prior to implementation of the advocacy project in 1997, availability and consumption of fluoridated toothpaste was negligible. By March 2002 total market share of fluoridated toothpaste was approximately 90%. This represents an annual tonnage of 900 tons of fluoridated toothpaste. Conclusions: The health promotion activity of advocacy for the fluoridation of toothpastes in Nepal achieved measurable gains in health promotion outcomes and intermediate outcomes. Gains in health and social outcomes will take longer to evaluate but based on epidemiological evidence and the experience of other countries increased availability of affordable fluoridated toothpaste will have a significant and ongoing impact on the oral health of the people of Nepal.