United Nations Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage finally has some teeth / Oral health included in global health agenda

Geneva, Switzerland (ots) - FDI World Dental Federation (FDI)
welcomes the long overdue commitment to strengthening oral health in
the UN Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
(http://ots.ch/juoOII). 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."

About FDI World Dental Federation
(https://www.fdiworlddental.org/)

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.

Pressekontakt:
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

Original-Content von: FDI World Dental Federation, übermittelt durch news aktuell