Bukola Afeni
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for immediate action to strengthen oral health systems and improve access to care as World Oral Health Day is celebrated.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated efforts.
“We have the strategy now; we must implement it. Governments, partners, and communities must work together to integrate oral health into national health systems, secure sustainable funding, and expand workforce capacity. Better oral health leads to better overall health, and we must act now.”
As Africa moves forward in the fight against oral diseases, WHO disclosed that collaboration, investment, and commitment are essential to achieving lasting improvements.
“This World Oral Health Day, the message is clear: Oral health cannot wait; now is the time for action. As the continent marks World Oral Health Day on March 20, WHO highlights the critical gaps in oral healthcare and urges governments to accelerate the implementation of global and regional oral health strategies.”
Oral diseases, including dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss, remain widespread across the WHO African Region, affecting 42% of the population in 2021. The region also bears the highest burden of Noma, a severe and life-threatening disease that primarily affects young children.
“Without timely intervention, Noma has a high fatality rate, and survivors often experience permanent disabilities and social stigma. Despite growing recognition of oral health as an integral part of overall well-being, the African Region continues to lag in key indicators.”
Only 17% of the population has access to essential oral health services, and the region faces a severe shortage of oral health professionals. In 2022, there were only 0.37 oral health workers per 10,000 people, far below the target of 1.33 per 10,000 needed to meet demand.
Recognizing these challenges, WHO and its partners have supported various initiatives across the region. Countries such as Lesotho, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone have developed national oral health policies, while Ethiopia and Kenya have trained thousands of community health workers to improve early detection and treatment.
WHO has also pushed for stronger regional and global commitments to oral health. The first-ever Global Oral Health Meeting, held in Thailand in November 2024, gathered leaders from 29 African countries to develop national roadmaps for action. A Regional Framework to accelerate progress will be discussed later this year at the Seventy-fifth Regional Committee for Africa.
