The Minamata Convention contains provisions in the second part of Annex A which relate to « measures a Party must take to phase out the use of dental amalgam ». These measures must meet certain requirements. They must take into account the national situation of each of the Parties to; Convention and relevant international guidance.

Incentives for the Government to eliminate , gradually, the use of dental amalgams (mercury-based materials used to seal the cavities resulting from the elimination of dental tissue affected by caries) covers six important elements. First of all, the State will have to define national objectives for the prevention of caries and the promotion of dental hygiene in order to reduce, as much as possible, the need for dental restoration (this is the second measure indicated in the second part of Annex A of the Minamata Convention). It must then promote the use of cost-effective and clinically effective dental restorative materials that do not contain mercury. The State should also promote research and development activities focused on quality dental restorative materials. mercury-free (fourth measure indicated in the second part of Annex A). The state should discourage insurance policies and programs that favor dental amalgams and promote those that promote the use of alternative quality dental restorative materials. mercury free.

Finally, the state should support , actively, health policies and programs containing public health promotion and prevention measures; oral. Whoever the initiator, the Government must accompany and actively support these policies and programs. It’s the sum of these concerted and coordinated initiatives that will help prevent dental caries in Togo.

Layout implementation of the Minamata Convention relating to the reduction and to The progressive elimination of dental amalgams can go through a series of measures which have each shown their effectiveness in countries where they have been implemented. The Togolese Government must, to; following the example of Nigeria, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, to make these measures a reality; concrete and tangible, so that the ratification of this Convention which has been welcomed by the whole of society; Civil and Community internationally, leads to positive changes in health. dental care for our people.