Quthing __ Different public groups that include students from local schools gathered at Liphakoe Pitso ground to celebrate National Oral Health Day on Friday this week.

The event on the theme "Oral health and Mental health '' which started with a procession entertainment with vibrant bikcers, vehicles, public servants and from departments and and the public, commenced from Lower Moyeni shopping area to the Pitso ground was intended to sanitize the public about interaction of oral health and mental health.

Speaking at the same event, the Member of Parliament for Mount Moorosi constituency Mr.Thuso Mosetlelo pleaded with the community to take advice from specialists on maintenance of mental and oral health for overall well-being.

He encouraged that the events of this nature be held out of town areas for good attendance for rural people to access information to care for their mental and oral health.

At the same occasion, The Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs. 'Mants'oanelo Monyobi highlighted that the government is committed to ensure that public access to oral health services is setting a for development of Oral Policy that guides effective service delivery of such services.

She said in an effort to guarantee delivery of oral health services at health clinics and schools, the Ministry of is working hand in hand with ministries of public service and of finance to prepare for recruitment of Dental Therapists.The Director of Mental Health Health department in the Ministry Dr. Lieketseng Petlane pointed out that the theme   highlights close interconnection of oral and mental health in two-way relationship since positive oral health boosts confidence, social engagement and reduce stress while mental health issues can lead to poor oral hygiene, stress and increase a risk of chronic conditions hence a healthy mouth is a healthy mind and overall wellbeing.

The Director Mental Health Department Dr. Thabo Petlane added that substance abuse often associated with mental health issues can increase the risk of serious oral problems such as gum diseases and oral cancer.

He commended integration of oral and mental health service delivery as it will provide comprehensive support for individuals with mental illnesses.

The District District Health Manager (DHM) Dr. Makarant'si Mohlapiso appealed to the Quthing community to access mental health services from the department of health as prevention is better than cure.

On behalf behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Lesotho, the WHO Health Promotion and Social Determinants Officer Mr. Thato Mxakaza said WHO commits to continue to provide the much-needed support the government of Lesotho through ministry of health in its effect to improve the mental mental health services including oral and mental health services for the good people of Lesotho.