OTS - United Nations Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage finally has some teeth
2019. September 18. 09:23
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 September, 2019 (APA/OTS) - Oral health
included in global health agenda - FDI World Dental Federation
(FDI) welcomes the long overdue commitment to strengthening oral
health in the UN Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage
(UHC). The declaration will be officially adopted by world leaders
at the UN High-Level Meeting on UHC on September 23 in New York.
"Oral health is one of the most neglected areas of global
health, so we applaud world leaders for this breakthrough
commitment that gives teeth to the UN Political Declaration, said
FDI President Dr Gerhard Seeberger. "It is now vital that the
Declaration be converted into concrete, sustainable action at the
national level.
Oral health is essential to general health and well-being at
every stage of life, yet poor oral health continues to be a silent
epidemic afflicting some 3.58 billion people - more than half the
world's population. Oral diseases, such as dental caries (tooth
decay), gum disease and oral cancer, are the most common forms of
preventable noncommunicable diseases and affect people throughout
their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even
death. Key risk factors for oral disease include tobacco use, the
harmful use of alcohol, and sugar consumption.
Although most oral diseases are preventable, it has been
estimated that the number of people with untreated oral diseases
has increased by 38% since 1990 and oral diseases are the fourth
most expensive out-of-pocket disease to treat.
"UHC provides a unique opportunity to improve access to
essential oral health services and address substantial
out-of-pocket expenses associated with oral healthcare in many
countries," said Dr Benoit Varenne, Dental Officer in the NCD
Department at the World Health Organization. "The integration of
essential oral health services into UHC will help improve health
outcomes and reduce fundamental inequalities in access to care."
###
ENDS
Further Information
Dr Charanjit (Chaz) Jagait
Communications & Advocacy Director, FDI World Dental Federation
Email: cjagait@fdiworlddental.org
Phone: +41 22 560 81 48
Michael Kessler
Michael Kessler Media
Email: michael.kessler@intoon-media.com
Phone: +34 655 792 699
About FDI World Dental Federation
Founded in 1900, FDI World Dental Federation is an
international, membership-based organization that serves as the
main representative body for more than 1 million dentists
worldwide, active in some 200 National Dental Associations and
specialist groups in close to 130 countries. Based in Geneva,
Switzerland, FDI's mission is to lead the world to optimal oral
health.
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