Youth Initiatives
Promoting a Mercury-Free Future: Awareness Campaign at Sher-e-Bangla Model High School
As part of its ongoing commitment to eliminating mercury use in dentistry, the Environment and Social Development Organization -ESDO organized a vibrant Awareness Campaign on Mercury-Free Dentistry at Sher-e-Bangla Model High School in 2025. The campaign aimed to educate school students about the dangers of mercury in dental amalgam and the benefits of switching to mercury-free alternatives. The event created an engaging learning environment where knowledge met action, empowering the next generation to make informed health and environmental choices.
LearningThrough Engagement
The campaign featured colorful placards, posters, and interactive discussions that immediately caught the attention of the students. ESDO’s facilitators and dental experts led sessions explaining:
The health risks of mercury, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
The environmental impacts of mercury waste and the dangers of improper disposal.
The availability and safety of mercury-free dental alternatives.
Bangladesh’s commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury and its national steps toward phasing out mercury in dentistry.
Students participated with enthusiasm—asking insightful questions, sharing their thoughts, and engaging in discussions about how they could raise awareness in their communities.
Inspiring the Change
The event not only deepened students’ understanding of mercury-related risks but also inspired them to become young advocates for a healthier, mercury-free future. By encouraging students to share what they learned with their families and peers, ESDO amplified the reach of its message, turning awareness into community action.
Aligning with Global Commitments
This initiative is part of ESDO’s broader campaign to promote mercury-free dentistry in alignment with global and national efforts under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, ESDO continues to lead Bangladesh’s movement toward a safer environment and healthier lives for all.
A Step Toward a Mercury-Free Generation
The smiles at Sher-e-Bangla Model High School reflected more than just good dental health; they represented hope for a mercury-free generation. With every campaign, ESDO reinforces its mission: to protect people and the planet from the dangers of toxic mercury, one school, one community, and one smile at a time.
Mercury-Free Dentistry Week: Empowering Youth for a Healthier Future
Every year, the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) celebrates Mercury-Free Dentistry Week from August 17–25, a global initiative to raise awareness about the harmful effects of mercury in dental amalgam and promote mercury-free alternatives. This week is not just a celebration of progress but also a call to action, especially for the youth, to join the movement for a healthier, mercury-free future.
Why Youth Involvement Matters
The youth are the changemakers of tomorrow, and their active participation is crucial in driving societal transformation. By engaging young people in the Mercury-Free Dentistry Week, ESDO aims to:
- Educate them about the dangers of mercury exposure from dental amalgam.
- Empower them to advocate for mercury-free dentistry in their communities.
- Inspire them to adopt and promote eco-friendly and health-conscious practices.
ESDO’s Youth Initiatives During Mercury-Free Dentistry Week
ESDO has been at the forefront of involving young people in its campaigns, recognizing their potential to amplify the message of mercury-free dentistry. Here are some key initiatives:
- Mobile Campaigns and Street Plays
ESDO, in collaboration with the Asian Center for Environmental Health and the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry (WAMFD), organizes mobile campaigns and street plays in high-traffic areas like Dhanmondi. These interactive events are designed to capture the attention of young people and educate them about mercury toxicity in a fun and engaging way. - Youth-Led Awareness Sessions
ESDO conducts workshops and seminars in schools, colleges, and universities, empowering students to become ambassadors for mercury-free dentistry. These sessions focus on:- The science behind mercury’s harmful effects on health and the environment.
- The availability of safe, mercury-free dental alternatives.
- How young people can advocate for policy changes and spread awareness.
- Social Media Campaigns
Recognizing the power of digital platforms, ESDO encourages young people to participate in online campaigns. Through hashtags, challenges, and informative posts, youth can share their knowledge about mercury-free dentistry with their peers, creating a ripple effect of awareness. - Art and Essay Competitions
To foster creativity and critical thinking, ESDO organizes art and essay competitions on themes related to mercury-free dentistry. These competitions not only educate participants but also provide a platform for them to express their ideas and solutions. - Youth Volunteer Programs
ESDO offers opportunities for young people to volunteer in its campaigns, giving them hands-on experience in advocacy and community engagement. Volunteers play a key role in organizing events, distributing educational materials, and interacting with the public.
The Impact of Youth Involvement
By involving the youth, ESDO is building a generation of informed and proactive individuals who understand the importance of mercury-free dentistry. Young people are not just passive recipients of information; they are active participants in shaping a healthier future for themselves and their communities.
Join the Movement
Are you a young person passionate about health and the environment? Join ESDO’s Mercury-Free Dentistry Week and be part of a global movement to eliminate mercury from dentistry. Together, we can create a world where dental care is safe, sustainable, and mercury-free.
Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference!
To protect environment and children health in Asia, we need to work together to ensure toxic free, safe and sustainable future for the next generation. We work for mercury free dental care and be specific to the children and women of child bearing age in Asia.
The Asian Center for Environmental Health is opening a pathway to work closely with environment.
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