The Eastern Cape Department of Health in partnership with Operation Smile South Africa is today embarking on Bring a Smile” campaign in the Chris Hani District, bringing essential healthcare services directly to learners in underserved communities. Implemented as part of the World Oral Health Day, the campaign is aiming to expand access to cleft care services while addressing a wide range of health challenges affecting school-going children.
The two-day outreach programme, held in Whittlesea, reached nearly 2,000 learners across six schools, including Funda High School, Zamokuhle High School, and Ekuphumleni High School. Learners received a comprehensive package of services, including dental screenings, extractions, treatment of tooth decay, and oral hygiene education. Additional support included vision and hearing assessments, speech and language services, as well as psychosocial interventions to assist vulnerable learners.
The campaign plays a crucial role in communities where access to specialised healthcare is often limited. By delivering services directly at schools, we can detect and address conditions that frequently go unnoticed, ultimately improving both health and learning outcomes”, Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa stated.
This initiative also focused on health promotion, with sessions on hygiene, substance abuse prevention, and healthy living. Cultural engagement through Inkciyo ka-Xhosa further reinforced messages of dignity, identity, and self-confidence among learners.
As part of the campaign, learners were provided with oral hygiene packs and donated items to support ongoing self-care beyond the intervention. The programme places strong emphasis on the importance of prevention and early intervention in reducing long-term health complications. It also reaffirms government s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all children across the province. Moreover, the campaign forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen school health programmes across the province, ensuring that every child can learn, grow, and thrive in good health.
