MORE THAN GOOD INTENTIONS

Unless community health programs, including oral health initiatives, are owned by the local people and the relevant government, sustainability is not guaranteed. Without perpetual support, even a well-organized, well-managed, and targeted program will fail to produce any long-term benefits. Good intentions, unfortunately, are not enough. Hence, the Oral Health Action Network (OHAN) aims to support organizations and individuals in low resource settings to improve access to oral healthcare through advocacy, networking, capacity building, and research. The idea for the network first transpired in September 2022 (You can read about it in The Original Story). After some initial planning, the first iteration of OHAN was established in early 2023. Following more detailed planning including the development of a web page, OHAN was launched in August 2023. Our team is spread across the globe. United by a common purpose, each member is uniquely skilled. I am amazed by how our team came together…seemingly effortlessly! The inaugural project undertaken by OHAN involves the development of the 2024 Competency-based Basic Package for Oral Health Care (BPOC) in partnership with Jevaia Oral Health Care and Dr Dilip Prajapati and his team from Dhulikhel Hospital in Kathmandu. Following a consultative project planning phase and the signing of a memorandum of understanding, we are excited that this project is now well underway! The 2024 BPOC provides an evidence-based curriculum and training program including an instructor’s guide and a student handbook that targets the needs of the Nepal population. We are deliberate in our collaborative efforts to involve the local team in every step. Once completed, the BPOC will be translated and used to enhance the awareness, knowledge, and skills of health workers employed by the Nepal Ministry of Health. This is OHAN’s beginning, and it is exciting! Would you like to join us? The future looks promising.