Meet the Rwandan Dentist intent on saving lives through oral hygiene
Dr. Peace Uwambaye is the Acting Deputy Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Rwanda, and a 2021 Mawazo Fellow. She is a passionate advocate for improving oral health awareness and access to care on the continent. Dr. Peace believes that oral healthcare affects the entire body’s health, and yet in Africa, it is often not prioritised, both by the individual, as well as in government healthcare policy and initiatives.
Her PhD research focused on the role of periodontitis, a common gum disease, on preterm birth. The research increases awareness on the connection between oral and maternal health. On a macro level, Dr. Peace’s research fits into the important conversation about how dental hygiene impacts overall health.
Image credit: Dr. Peace Uwambaye
She warns that if African governments are not more proactive, the continent could face a major health crisis, with 44% of the population already reported to be struggling with oral diseases. To address the issue head on, in January of this year, Dr. Peace published an OpEd on how African governments should best position themselves to handle the mounting crisis. Her call to action puts the pressure on policymakers to prioritise oral healthcare within broader public health agendas.
Dr. Peace has been active in promoting oral hygiene and disseminating her research findings. In August 2023, she utilised the Mawazo Connects Fund to run a public engagement workshop, and disseminate her findings. In late August 2023, she organised a road show in Kigali to promote oral hygiene. The event was attended by stakeholders from district hospitals, dental professional associations, academia, and the Rwanda Biomedical Center. Following the event, residents were offered free oral health screening.
Image Credit: Dr. Peace Uwambaye
The two events had a significant impact in promoting oral hygiene in Kigali. By engaging stakeholders from various sectors, Dr. Peace was able to create awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and its impact on overall health. The free oral health screening provided an opportunity for residents to identify any oral health issues and seek early treatment.
Image credit: Dr. Peace Uwambaye
Though her PhD journey has ended, Dr. Peace continues to be prolific in publishing further research findings in journals, including on periodontology, pregnancy outcomes like preterm deliveries, and a recent scoping review on dental caries in Rwanda.
Dr. Peace Uwambaye’s work exemplifies the critical intersection between oral healthcare and overall well-being in Africa. Through her research, advocacy efforts, and academic leadership, she is driving positive change in how oral health is perceived and addressed on the continent.