COMMUNITY -FOCUSED ORAL HEALTH FOR EQUITY

CORE Project Kenya

The CORE Project

The CORE Project is a comprehensive, action‑oriented research and implementation programme that blends rigorous research, community engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Its goal is to reduce disparities in oral health and embed oral care as a core part of Universal Health Coverage especially in settings where disease burden is high and under-recognized.

Goal

To reduce oral health inequalities in Kenya by generating high-quality, community-driven research that informs health policies, reforms health systems, and enhances the equitable delivery of oral health services.

Mission

To empower communities, researchers, and policymakers to co-produce innovative oral health solutions rooted in local realities, advancing health equity and sustainable systems change.

Vision

A future where every Kenyan, regardless of income, gender, age, or geography, enjoys equitable access to quality oral health care embedded in universal health coverage.

Strategic Objectives

Address Oral Health Inequalities

Conduct detailed research into the social, economic, and geographic disparities in oral disease burden ensuring evidence-based interventions

Investigate Commercial Determinants

Analyse how corporate strategies in food, tobacco, and beverage industries influence oral health outcomes and policy frameworks

Reform Health Systems & Financing

Evaluate economic burdens of oral diseases to develop sustainable dental care models and equitable financing mechanisms

Co Produce Public Health Interventions

Collaboratively design and test policies and programs with local stakeholders to reduce inequities and strengthen service delivery

Vision for Change

The CORE Project seeks to transform oral health policy and practice by:

• Integrating oral health into universal health coverage • Empowering communities and researchers • Influencing regulations on diet and corporate health impacts • Building resilient, equitable systems for oral healthcare delivery

Approaches:

• Mapping inequalities, • Identifying commercial and systemic barriers, • Co-creating community-led solutions, • Building local capacities, • Enabling responsive local research, and • Measuring outcomes to drive better policy and outcomes.

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Prof. Regina Mutave J.

Principal Investigator

Associate Professor of Community and Preventive Dentistry, University of Nairobi

Joyce N. Mutuku

Research Staff

Ben M. Muchoki

Research Staff

Teddy Kitili

CEI Coordinator

The CORE Project is a community-focused oral health research project advancing equity through evidence, community engagement, policy reform and health system strengthening in Kenya and across global partner countries

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