WHO renews focus on the neglected state of global oral health
GENEVA, 13 February 2007 – For the first time since 1981, oral health was on the agenda at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board Meeting in Geneva. The WHO’s Global Oral Health Programme prepared an extensive report on “Oral health: action plan for promotion and integrated disease prevention”.
The President of the FDI World Dental Federation, Dr Michèle Aerden, addressed the WHO Board on this occasion and recognised the important strategic principles mentioned in the report. The FDI supports the integration of oral health into general health promotion and is keen to involve the dental profession as active and responsible partner in integrated disease prevention. “By reducing the risks common to many chronic diseases, such as smoking or high sugar consumption we do not only improve oral health, but also other chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardio-vascular diseases”, said Dr Aerden in her statement.
The report of the WHO cited oral disease as a serious public health problem; linking periodontal disease and tooth loss to other chronic diseases and oral cancer to such lifestyle determinants as tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Dr Margret Chan, the newly elected Director-General of the WHO, said that oral diseases are a “neglected area of international health”, despite their huge impact on wellbeing and economies, particularly in low and middle-income countries. “The tools and best practices are there and we need to ensure that they are applied and implemented” she added. Member states urged WHO to allocate more resources to matters of oral health and integrated disease prevention.
The proposed action plan for oral health will be discussed at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May 2007 in Geneva. The FDI will encourage, facilitate and coordinate activities and initiatives on this historic occasion. “Good oral health should no longer be a privilege of a few but a right for all” the FDI president said. “Access to at least essential oral care for all must be ensured. WHO, governments, the dental profession and all other stakeholders will be held accountable on the commitments made today”.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
ABOUT FDI WORLD DENTAL FEDERATION
The FDI World Dental Federation is the authoritative, worldwide voice of dentistry. With more than 150 member associations in more than 130 countries around the world, it represents nearly one million dentists internationally. For more information about the FDI, please visit the FDI website at www.fdiworldental.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION
FDI World Dental Federation
Dr Habib Benzian, Development and Public Health Manager / Email: hbenzian@fdiworldental.org
Christina Lee Thorsen, Communications Coordinator / Email: cthorsen@fdiworldental.org
13 Chemin du Levant, l'Avant Centre
F-01210 Ferney-Voltaire, FRANCE
Telephone: +33 4 50 40 50 50
Fax: +33 4 50 40 55 55
Website: www.fdiworldental.org