Only 17% of Africans have access to essential oral health services, WHO

Only 17 percent of people in Africa currently have access to essential oral health services, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said, highlighting significant gaps in prevention and treatment across the region.

This was disclosed by Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a message to mark World Oral Health Day 2026, where he called for stronger investment and coordinated action to tackle oral diseases that continue to affect millions of people across the continent.

Janabi noted that oral diseases such as dental caries, gum disease, tooth loss and noma affected about 42 percent of the African population in 2021.

He said these conditions often lead to pain, disability and long-term health complications, while also placing additional strain on families and national health systems.

The RD highlighted major challenges, including shortages of trained oral health professionals, chronic underinvestment in dental services and weak preventive measures limiting access to care in many countries, particularly in underserved communities.

He added that high sugar consumption and inadequate exposure to fluoride are also contributing to the rising burden of preventable oral diseases.

Janabi said improving oral health is critical to achieving universal health coverage because untreated oral diseases contribute to avoidable illness, long-term disability and higher healthcare costs.

He called on governments, development partners, academic institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen national oral health strategies, expand workforce capacity and improve access to services across the region.

“With sustained commitment and investment, the African Region can reduce the burden of oral diseases and ensure that future generations grow, learn and live free from preventable oral diseases,” he said.