Nairobi, 16 April 2004 -- Oral diseases, although not always life-threatening, remain a major public health problem in the African region because of their high prevalence and significant impact on general health.

This indication was given Thursday by the World Health Organization Adviser for Oral Health in the African Region, Dr Charlotte Ndiaye, during a presentation at the first international conference on oral health in Africa taking place from 14 to 16 April in the Kenyan capital.

"Reliable data are scarce, but oral diseases appear to be increasing in our region, as does associated morbidity", she said.

Among the most prominent oral health problems currently facing Africa are dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal or gum diseases, oral cancers, the oral manifestation of HIV/AIDS, Noma, and trauma to the teeth and jaws.

In spite of efforts made over the years to promote and organize oral health in the region, the sector is still not part of existing health services in many countries. As a result the current status of oral health in Africa is characterized by inadequate allocation to the oral health sector, limited access to affordable and appropriate services; the existence of ad hoc and poorly distributed curative services accessible mostly to affluent or urban communities; low dentist-to-population ratios, inappropriate training for oral health personnel, and absence of national oral health plans in most countries.

To address the situation, WHO, in 1998, elaborated an oral health strategy (1999-2008) for the African Region. The strategy aims at strengthening the capacity of countries to improve community and oral health by effectively using proven interventions to address specific oral health needs.

Dr Ndiaye stated that since WHO Member States in the African Region adopted the strategy in 1999, appreciable progress had been made both in raising the profile of oral health, and in improving the oral health situation in the Region.

Among achievements so far recorded are the development by 22 African countries of national health strategies and implementation plans which emphasize the prevention, early detection and management of oral diseases; support by WHO to 12 countries implementing national Noma plans; the development of new teaching materials in HIV/AIDS-related aspects of oral health, the commencement of research on fluoride and dental fluorosis, as well as the efficacy and safety of traditional practices.

Dr Ndiaye appealed to governments in the region to ensure the existence of the political, social and economic conditions necessary for the successful implementation of the Regional Oral Health Strategy, adding that WHO would continue to support Member States in its implementation.

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