Although not always life-threatening, oral diseases represent a major public health problem due to its prevalence and significant impact on general health. Though reliable data are scarce, oral diseases appear to be increasing in Africa, including Nigeria. Latest findings show that periodontal diseases affect the tooth supporting structures with the prevalence put at over 50 percent of Nigeria’s population.
Despite efforts aimed at revolutionising dental health in the country, low awareness is hindering the National Oral Health Policy which aims on priority areas such as oral health promotion, training/human resources development, service delivery, research, monitoring and evaluation.
Speaking during the launch of its new toothpaste, Thabo Mabe, managing director, Unilever Nigeria, Thabo Mabe, said that tooth decay affects around 90 percent of people worldwide, with up to 20 percent of the world’s adult population suffering from severe gum disease.
“We are proud that through innovations, we can play a part in promoting oral health in Nigeria and globally. The new product truly embodies the timeless qualities that have made it the number one toothpaste brand in Nigeria. This includes ingredients that offer consumers long lasting freshness and protection from germs,” Mabe added.
Lending his view, David Okeme, Brand Building director, Unilever Nigeria, stated that the Fire-Freeze formula uses a patented technology–the longest-lasting cooling agent on the market which offers up to ten times the power of other cooling molecules and zinc sulphate, an anti-malodour active which provides up to 12 hours of fresh breath and ensures cool feeling that lasts for hours.
“Close Up Fire-Freeze formulation and sensational delivery is a result of a breakthrough technology developed by the Research and Development team at Unilever globally, patented and exclusive to Unilever alone. Results indicate that using Close Up Fire-Freeze over four weeks reduces malodour significantly compared to a conventional toothpaste. Consumers can experience both warming and cooling sensations, working together in the mouth to give longest lasting freshness like never before,” Okeme added.
A review of audited report for the period ended December 31 2012 shows that Profit after Tax (PAT) of Unilever Nigeria rose slightly by 1.49 percent with the company posting N5.597 billion in 2012 end compared to N5.515 billion recorded in 2011.
Profit before Tax (PBT) grew by 2.08 percent from N8.018 billion in 2011 end to N8.185 billion in the review period of year 2012. Also, turnover rose by 1.50 percent from N54.724 billion in year 2011 to N55.547 billion in 2012. In 2011, Unilever Nigeria paid a dividend of N1.40.
ALEXANDER CHIEJINA
