Studies Show Over 75% of the UAE Children Suffer From Cavities

Dubai, October 18, 2007: Colgate-Palmolive has announced it will present its 'Bright Smiles, Bright Futures' (BSBF) Marquee Programme at the FDI Annual World Dental congress in Dubai on October 23 2007.

The BSBF oral health initiative is a highly successful, 15-year old educational program that has reached approximately 500 million children and their families worldwide, in primary schools around the world. The programme is conducted in 30 languages and 80 countries, working in conjunction with educators and dental professionals to teach young children the importance of good oral hygiene.

More than 500 children from the UAE have been invited to learn about healthy oral hygiene habits to prevent dental caries and gum disease. Trained dental students from the UAE will be there to take the children through three different stations (a brushing station, a video theater and an art/drawing activities' station). At the end, all the children will receive the Colgate dental health care packs.

BSBF has been active in the GCC for some years, in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. In the UAE, the program has run since 2006 through private clinics, and in Saudi Arabia, since 2004, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

Richard Mener, President, Africa-Middle East Division of Colgate Palmolive, said: "Our core corporate values rest on Caring, Global Teamwork and Continuous Improvement. These values are reflected not only in the quality of our products and the reputation of our Company, but also in our dedication to serving the communities where we do business. BSBF is just one example of our ongoing initiatives as a socially responsible corporation, and a reflection of our commitment to the region as a whole."  

Nearly 60% of children globally between the ages of 5 and 17 are affected by dental decay. Research indicates a link between oral disease and other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Poor oral health among children has been related to poor performance in school and social relationships, and less success later in life. 

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About Colgate Palmolive:
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom's of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site at http://www.colgate.com.

For more information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Senior Account Manager
JiWin
Mail- majid.wasi@jiwin.ae
Mob- 00971 50 527 5963

© Press Release 2007