Table 2.

A summary of the SWOT analysis for integrating oral health into the Chamas program.

SWOT analysis component	Description
Strengths	•Chamas groups are well-established and trusted within communities, making implementation and uptake easier. •Utilizes the same venues, staff, and materials for maternal and oral health, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. •The program's alignment with community norms and values makes it an effective oral health promotion platform. •Emphasizes early detection and prevention to reduce long-term disease burden and integrate oral health with general healthcare during routine child wellness visits. •Financial Empowerment enables community members to access essential preventive products, potentially improving long-term health outcomes
Weaknesses	•Lack of adequate oral health facilities and professionals, which can limit service delivery. •Proper training of Chamas facilitators on oral health is necessary and could be resource intensive. •May complicate Chamas meetings and extend their duration, which could affect attendance and engagement. •There may be a lack of oral health expertise, requiring new hires or collaborations. •The patriarchal society structure demand creative and culturally sensitive strategies to improve effectiveness. •Additional funding is necessary for fluoride treatments, educational materials, and professional dental care referrals
Opportunities	•Educating antenatal care providers on oral health can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce disease metrics, and increase service utilization. •Aligns with Kenya's increasing recognition of oral health in NCD, PHC and NCD policies. •Offers a model that can be scaled and replicated in other regions, enhancing oral health equity among underserved populations. •Potential for support and partnerships with dental associations, health NGOs, and government units, particularly for expanding health services and public health outreach. •Support from community leaders can substantially boost oral health's visibility and facilitate improvements across Africa
Threats	•Oral health may be deprioritized due to other pressing health challenges, risking necessary resource diversion. •The existing fee-for-service model and sectoral resistance pose substantial challenges. •Shifting cultural perceptions and ensuring affordability/accessibility of essential products like fluoride toothpaste require persistent advocacy. •Relies heavily on adequate funding, which can be uncertain and fluctuating. •Changes in health policy or funding priorities could jeopardize support for the integrated program