The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over the state of oral health in Africa, revealing that only 17% of the population has access to essential dental care.
According to a statement released on the Organization’s Website on Wednesday, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, described the situation as alarming, noting that 42% of people in the region suffer from oral diseases, including tooth decay and gum disease. He also highlighted that Africa has the highest number of noma cases, a deadly mouth disease primarily affecting children.
Despite efforts by countries such as Nigeria, Lesotho, and Sierra Leone, which have developed oral health policies, WHO says progress remains slow. Ethiopia and Kenya have trained over 1,300 health workers, while Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia are working to improve access to essential dental materials.
The WHO also warned that the continent faces a severe shortage of oral health workers, with only 0.37 per 10,000 people, far below the recommended 1.33 per 10,000.
To address the crisis, WHO is calling on governments to increase funding, integrate oral health into national healthcare systems, and promote preventive measures such as fluoride use and sugar reduction.
