Colgate Partners with Uttar Pradesh to Boost India’s Oral Health Education

Ambitious Initiative Targets 5 Million Children by 2026

INDIA: Colgate-Palmolive (India) has entered into a partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration aims to bring Colgate’s flagship program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF), to schools across the state, with the ambitious goal of reaching 5 million children by 2026.

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Colgate-Palmolive (India) and the Uttar Pradesh government. This agreement marks a substantial expansion of Colgate’s in-school oral health education program in the state.

Smt Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, expressed the company’s commitment, stating, “We are deeply honoured to partner with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and are committed to engaging with all 1.93 crore children in the state. With this, we will further propel our mission to create meaningful, positive change for children in the region.”

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Program Focus and Implementation

The BSBF program, known as ‘Ujwal Muskaan, Ujwal Bhavishya’ in Hindi, is designed for children aged 6 to 15 years. It focuses on five key areas:

1. Correct brushing technique
2. Importance of brushing twice daily
3. Regular toothbrush replacement
4. Tobacco use prevention
5. Promoting good nutrition for oral health

To support these objectives, the program will provide dental kits, brushing calendars, teacher training guides, and certificates to participating schools.

Government Support and Vision

The initiative was inaugurated in Aligarh, with Shri Sandeep Singh, Honourable Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Basic Education, GoUP, expressing enthusiasm for the partnership. He stated, “We believe that this is fundamental to overall well-being, and by partnering with Colgate, we aim to bring Oral Care Education to students and inculcate the importance of Oral Hygiene via the curriculum and the libraries in all our schools across the state.”

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Colgate’s Track Record and Future Plans

Colgate’s BSBF program has a long-standing history in India, having positively impacted over 176 million children since its inception in 1976. This new partnership represents a significant expansion of these efforts.

Narasimhan further added, “Our vision to enhance Oral Care awareness and education in India is unwavering, supported by our advancements in scientific research. Our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® will continue to champion healthy smiles.”

Broader Impact and Corporate Responsibility

Beyond this specific initiative, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has been actively involved in various sustainability and community well-being projects. These efforts include reducing plastic waste, promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at manufacturing facilities, and empowering women through financial and digital literacy programs.

As this partnership unfolds, it is expected to have a substantial impact on oral health education in Uttar Pradesh, potentially serving as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of India.