WHO releases Global strategy and action plan on oral health (2024)

A new document, Global strategy and action plan on oral health 2023–2030, has been released by the World Health Organization (WHO) containing the complete set of policies that define WHO’s global oral health agenda towards 2030. Together, these policy documents lay out the path to tackle the challenges faced by communities worldwide and make the case for strengthening integration of oral health into noncommunicable disease and universal health coverage benefit packages.

The Action Plan is a practical tool to support Member States in the adaptation and implementation of global oral health policies to national contexts. It outlines a set of priority actions for Member States, the WHO Secretariat, international partners, civil society organizations and the private sector in moving towards our shared commitment to equitable access to oral health for all.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted in the document’s foreword that “Member States have demonstrated their commitment to improving oral health in recent years by adopting the landmark Resolution on oral health in 2021 and the Global strategy on oral health in 2022. This was followed in 2023 by the development of the Global oral health action plan 2023–2030, which translates the vision, goal, and strategic objectives of the global strategy into a series of 100 actions for stronger and more coordinated action on oral health. The action plan also includes a set of 11 global targets to track progress on oral health for all individuals and communities by 2030.”

Oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. The burden is increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Good oral health is essential for eating, breathing, and speaking, and contributes to overall health. The pain and discomfort associated with oral diseases make concentrating difficult, can cause people to miss school or work, and can lead to social isolation. Left untreated, the health-related impact of oral diseases can be severe. However, many oral diseases are largely preventable and can be treated using simple and non-invasive procedures at the primary health care level

Dr Tedros added, “WHO supports Member States in the implementation of these policies, within their own national context. Together, we can reverse the pattern of neglect in oral health, improve coverage and access around the world, and make sure that everybody gets the care they need for preventable and treatable oral diseases. There is no health without oral health.”