Unlocking Health: Global Oral Conference Aims for Universal Coverage by 2030!
Get ready to make history! Delegates from over 110 nations are uniting for the inaugural global oral health summit, a groundbreaking event organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Together, they’ll forge national roadmaps and negotiate a landmark joint declaration that aims to reshape the future of oral health. This pivotal document is set to outline shared commitments from Member States, all driving towards the ambitious goals of the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030.
Oral diseases are not just a minor inconvenience; they rank as the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, impacting a staggering 3.5 billion people. It’s time we shift our perspective—oral health goes far beyond just dental care. From cavities to gum disease, oral cancer to facial birth defects, these issues affect vital functions like eating, speaking, and breathing. Let’s not overlook the importance of oral health in our overall well-being!
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, passionately stated, “Oral health is an essential component of well-being, yet millions are deprived of the services they need to maintain it. We urge all countries to prioritize preventive measures and expand access to affordable oral health care as part of their journey toward universal health coverage.”
This historic event, graciously hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, serves as a critical step in the lead-up to the Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs (4th UN HLM on NCDs) in 2025. The goal? To supercharge efforts toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), reaffirm political commitments from Member States, and promote the execution of the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030.
“Oral health is a vital piece of the overall health puzzle,” declared H.E. Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand’s Minister of Public Health. “We are proud to host this landmark meeting, showcasing our commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality oral health services and promoting preventative care within communities. Together, we are enhancing health outcomes for everyone!”
The key takeaway? The Bangkok Declaration on Oral Health will pave the way for the WHO Director-General’s report for the 4th UN HLM on NCDs in 2025, ensuring oral health receives the recognition it deserves within the global NCD agenda.
This Declaration will champion oral health as a fundamental human right and emphasize that access to affordable oral care must be woven into the fabric of primary health care and UHC packages.
Anticipation is high as a new global coalition on oral health is expected to be unveiled during the meeting, fostering powerful partnerships to amplify oral health initiatives on a global scale.
This historic gathering features representatives from Member States, UN agencies, international organizations, philanthropic foundations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders dedicated to advancing oral health, tackling NCDs, and promoting UHC programs.
Attention Editors:
The Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030 serves as a vital framework designed to tackle the pressing challenges of preventing and managing oral diseases. It promotes the integration of oral health within the NCD agenda, ensuring essential services are accessible without financial burden as part of the UHC initiative. With six strategic objectives, 100 actionable steps, and 11 global targets, this plan aims to significantly reduce the impact of oral diseases on the global NCD crisis.
For further insights and to catch the live action, visit the WHO Global Oral Health Meeting event webpage.
