The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 42% of Africa’s Population is affected by Oral Diseases .
According to the Agency, the alarming statistic highlights the devastating impact of oral diseases such as dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss.
on the continent.
The Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu in his message to mark 2025 World Oral Day, explained that the commemoration is a vital opportunity to raise awareness and prioritize oral health ,an essential component of overall well-being that is often overlooked.
Dr. Chikeweazu added that the WHO African Region also has the highest number of noma cases, a rapidly progressing, non-contagious gangrenous disease of the mouth that primarily affects young children.
To address these challenges, the WHO has endorsed the Regional Oral Health Strategy 2016-2025, which integrates oral disease into noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control programs.
He revealed that the Organization has also launched a Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023-2030, which includes a monitoring framework.”
Despite these efforts, the African Region still lags behind key oral health indicators. Only 17% of the regional population has access to essential oral health care services, and progress in disease prevention is slow
A major contributing factor to Eradicating the disease is the inadequate oral health workforce .
To accelerate the implementation of the Global Oral Health Action Plan, Ihekweazu disclosed that the WHO has convened its first-ever Global Oral Health Meeting, with a resolve to accelerate implementation of national roadmaps to boost oral health.
He encouraged the continent to act swiftly to implement the strategy.
He also wants multisectoral stakeholders engagement , secured funding, integrated oral health services into national benefits packages, and a people-centered approach to improve oral health.
