Colgate-Palmolive Partners WHO Foundation To Advance Oral Health

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- 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.

“At Colgate-Palmolive, we are driven by our purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all – and to make more smiles.

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“Oral health is a critical – and too often overlooked – part of the global health agenda. We are committed to scaling prevention and education and supporting evidence-based solutions that strengthen health systems and improve lives worldwide,” said Colgate-Palmolive President, Enterprise Oral Care, Ram Raghavan.

Meanwhile, WHO Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Anil Soni said the foundation supports WHO’s mission by mobilising private funding in support of public health priorities, adding that oral health plays an essential role in overall health, and progress depends on long-term investment in prevention, trusted guidance, and strong health systems.

Oral health is foundational to overall health yet remains underprioritised in many health systems. Economic status, education, health literacy, and access to care exacerbate disparities. For children, poor oral health can lead to pain, emotional distress, and challenges in education, including concentration difficulties and absenteeism.

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Through the partnership, Colgate and the WHO Foundation will support the WHO in addressing barriers affecting approximately half of the world’s population, promoting oral health as a core component of public health systems.

The collaboration will focus on scaling oral health education through integration into government and school health programmes, supporting evidence-based research and policy development for national health systems, and raising awareness globally to elevate oral health as a public health priority.

The initiative builds on Colgate’s existing programmes, including Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, which has reached approximately two billion children and families worldwide since 1991.

The partnership launches amid growing recognition of oral health as a global health priority. At the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting, oral health was highlighted as essential for preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases, with member states calling for greater action.

Colgate and the WHO Foundation said the collaboration aims to improve health outcomes by promoting preventive oral care, evidence-based policy, and broader public awareness of oral health’s link to overall wellbeing.

-- BERNAMA