17% Access Oral Health Services in Africa — WHO Report

Only 17 per cent of people in Africa currently have access to essential oral health services, according to a new report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), raising concerns about the growing burden of untreated dental diseases across the continent.

The report, published on Wednesday, revealed that millions of Africans suffer from preventable oral conditions, including tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers, largely due to poor access to dental care and lack of awareness.

WHO said the shortage of trained dental professionals, weak health systems and high treatment costs are among the major factors limiting access to oral health services.

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The organisation warned that untreated oral diseases can lead to severe pain, infections, difficulty eating and speaking, and in extreme cases, life-threatening complications.

According to the report, most African countries spend less than one per cent of their health budgets on oral care, leaving large segments of the population without treatment.

WHO Regional Director for Africa urged governments to integrate oral health into primary healthcare systems to ensure wider coverage.

Health experts say preventive care, including regular check-ups, fluoride use and public education, could significantly reduce the burden of oral diseases.

The report called on African governments to invest more in dental training, community health programmes and affordable treatment services.

WHO warned that without urgent action, oral health problems could worsen due to population growth, urbanisation and increased consumption of sugary foods.