Improving Health Through Safe Hands

By The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR-HEOR) UNN Chapter

Held from 16th–18th April 2026, ISPOR 1000 5.0; Project SAFEGUARD was the flagship community outreach initiative of the ISPOR-HEOR, UNN Chapter, guided by the theme, "Improving Health Through Safe Hands," the project was designed to promote proper hand hygiene as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

With evidence showing that nearly 80% of infections are transmitted through contaminated hands, Project SAFEGUARD focused on raising awareness about effective hand hygiene practices while equipping members of the public with the knowledge and resources needed to protect themselves and their communities.

Over the course of three impactful days, volunteers engaged diverse populations across Nsukka through health education, demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, and the distribution of SAFE Kits to encourage sustained hygiene practices.

Outreach Locations Day 1: A rural community in Onuiyi, Nsukka Day 2: Aku Road Market, Nsukka Day 3: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Campus

By reaching communities, market traders, students, and other members of the public, Project SAFEGUARD empowered over 1,000 individuals with practical knowledge on infection prevention and reinforced the importance of clean hands in safeguarding public health.

The outreach reflects ISPOR's commitment to advancing community health through education, prevention, and evidence-based public health interventions. Through initiatives like ISPOR 1000, the chapter continues to bridge the gap between healthcare knowledge and community action, contributing to healthier and more informed communities. ISPOR... Improving Healthcare Decisions!

Promoting Oral Hygiene Knowledge Among School Children in Nsukka, Nigeria

By The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR-HEOR) UNN Chapter

In June 2025, the ISPOR-HEOR UNN Chapter in collaboration with Colgate Nigeria carried out its ISPOR-1000 community outreach project called "Project Dent O'Clock." This initiative aimed to promote awareness of oral hygiene and improve oral health practices among primary school pupils through education, demonstrations, and community involvement.

As part of the outreach, the Chapter conducted a research study titled "An Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among In-School Adolescents in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria." This study aimed to evaluate pupils' understanding, attitudes, and habits related to oral hygiene. It also sought to identify gaps that targeted health education could address.

Oral health is a vital part of public health in Nigeria, yet it often gets overlooked. Even with increasing awareness of general health, issues like dental caries, bad breath, and gum disease are still common among children. These problems can lead to discomfort, missed school days, and a lower quality of life. Aware of these challenges, Project Dent O'Clock was created to close the knowledge gap by offering evidence-based oral health education combined with interactive learning.

The outreach took place at St. Joseph's Primary School and Chidubem Primary School, both located in Nsukka, Enugu State. The team used a structured questionnaire to measure pupils' oral hygiene knowledge and practices. This was followed by interactive sessions that included demonstrations on proper brushing techniques, discussions about the importance of routine dental check-ups, and explanations of how diet affects oral health.

Early observations showed that most pupils knew regular brushing was important, but fewer understood the benefits of flossing, when to replace their toothbrush, and how their diet impacts dental health. Fortunately, pupils showed great enthusiasm for the sessions and expressed a desire for more oral health education in the future.

Project Dent O'Clock highlights the ISPOR-UNN Student Chapter's dedication to promoting health in the community using evidence-based methods. By combining outreach and research, the Chapter illustrates how student-led efforts can significantly improve public health and raise awareness at the local level.