… 42% of the population affected by diseases

… Calls for immediate action on World Oral Health Day

By Chioma Obinna

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over a severe oral health crisis in Africa, where 42% of the population is affected by oral diseases, alongside the highest global incidence of the devastating noma disease.

In its message to mark the 2025 World Oral Health Day, observed every March 20, the WHO Regional Office for Africa called for urgent and collective action to tackle the crisis.

According to the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the situation is dire.

“We have the strategies in place, but implementation is lagging. Now is the time to act. We have the strategy—now we must implement it,” he stressed.

The crisis is further exacerbated by a severe shortage of oral health workers, with only 0.37 professionals per 10,000 people, far below the required 1.33 per 10,000. Additionally, only 17% of the population has access to essential oral health services.

This deficit has worsened the prevalence of diseases such as dental caries, gum disease, and noma—a gangrenous disease of the mouth that primarily affects young children.

“If left untreated, noma has a high fatality rate. Survivors often suffer life-long impairments, disfigurement, stigma, and discrimination,” Ihekweazu warned.

While some progress has been made—such as national policy development in Lesotho, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, and training initiatives in Ethiopia and Kenya—the overall situation remains alarming.

The WHO is urging African nations to accelerate the implementation of the Global Oral Health Action Plan, emphasizing the need for: Multisectoral engagement, Innovative funding mechanisms.

During the Global Oral Health Meeting in Thailand, attended by representatives from 29 African Member States, national roadmaps were developed to address these challenges. A Regional Framework for Accelerating Implementation will be discussed at the upcoming Seventy-fifth Regional Committee for Africa.

“We must engage multisectoral stakeholders, secure funding through innovative financing, and adopt a people-centered approach,” Ihekweazu urged. “Let’s work together for better oral health outcomes! Together, we can go further!”

The WHO is calling on governments, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritize oral health as a fundamental part of overall well-being. The organization highlights the interconnectedness of oral health with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

With immediate and concerted action, WHO believes that Africa can reverse the trend and improve oral health outcomes across the continent.