(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
A LANDMARK global strategy on oral health was adopted by the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
It is the world’s highest health policy setting body and is composed of 194 member states, including the Philippines.
The WHO global strategy will shape the development of a new global action plan, including a framework for tracking progress with targets to be achieved by 2030.
“The global strategy sets the bold vision of universal health coverage for oral health, reaching all individuals and communities by 2030,” the United Nations health agency said. “This enables people to enjoy the highest attainable state of oral health and live healthy and productive lives.”
The global strategy is the first concrete step towards the full implementation of the World Health Assembly resolution on oral health crafted in 2021.
Oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. While largely preventable, there were estimated to be more than 3.5 billion cases of oral diseases and other oral conditions globally in 2019.
Oral health varies over the life course from early life to old age, is important in general health and supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential.
“Oral health is a fundamental right. It is very concerning that despite burdening billions of people around the world, many oral diseases which could be prevented or treated with simple, evidence-based and cost-effective interventions,” the WHO noted.
“People continue to experience pain and suffering, alongside severe financial pressures on families and communities.”
“The impact of poor oral health around the world is enormous and action is urgently needed to benefit all, young and old, across the life course,” said Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases.
The strategy adapted by the World Health Assembly sets four overarching goals to guide member states. The first is to promote oral health to reduce oral diseases, other oral conditions and oral health inequalities.
The second goal is to strengthen efforts to address oral diseases and conditions as part of universal health coverage.
The third is to consider the development of targets and indicators, based on national and subnational contexts, building on WHO guidance.
And the fourth, to prioritize efforts and assess the progress made by 2030.
These goals will require following a set of guiding principles: taking a public health approach; integrating oral health with primary health care; and adopting innovative workforce models to respond to population needs.
Placing people at the heart of oral health services is critical, including through tailored interventions across the life course, and optimizing digital technologies.
The strategy includes six strategic objectives, on oral health governance, oral health promotion and oral disease prevention the health workforce, oral health care, oral health information systems, and oral health research agendas.
Milestones for the WHO Secretariat are also established.
By 2023, WHO will translate the strategy into an action plan for public oral health. This will include a monitoring framework for tracking progress, with measurable targets to be achieved by 2030.
By 2024, WHO will recommend cost-effective, evidence-based oral health interventions the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and the WHO Universal Health Care Compendium.
WHO will continue to update technical guidance to ensure safe and uninterrupted dental care, including scaling and sustaining innovative practices using digital technologies.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
