HEBRON, May 24, 2011 (WAFA)- UNRWA’s health department Tusday organized a festival on oral hygiene held in Halhoul School for Girls in North of Hebron district, according to a release by UNRWA Public Information Office.

The activity is part of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) health program, which contributes towards ensuring quality health services. The program also contributes towards protecting and enhancing family health for circa 3 million refugees in the West Bank through 137 primary health care clinics

UN Director of the Medical Services, Omayya Khamash explained that “this festival focuses on the importance of maintaining correct oral hygiene practices and encourages children to smile with confidence.”

The campaign aims at raising awareness on dental hygiene, among school children, members of CBOs and centers. The campaign included field visits to the various areas, health education through lectures, and distribution of toothpaste and toothbrushes for free.

As part of the event students shared the audience with musical performances and sketches on this topic to raise awareness of the importance of having healthy body and a beautiful smile.

The activity is part of a wider campaign to work with the local community. Present to this event were the chiefs of education, health and relief, along with the Halhoul mayor, and other public officials and community members.

It was implemented in Halhoul with the support of the Dental Association and the Hydrology Group.

UNRWA is known that it provides assistance, protection and advocacy for some 4.8 million registered Palestine refugees in the region, pending a solution to their plight. The Agency's services encompass education, health care, social safety-net, camp infrastructure and improvement, community support, microfinance and emergency response, including in times of armed conflict.

Y.Y./F.R.