the ongoing World Health Organization’s (WHO) global oral health meeting in Bangkok is to reaffirm the political commitment of Member States based on the 2021 resolution on oral health as part of the preparatory process for the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs (4th UN HLM on NCDs) in 2025.
Oral diseases include dental caries or cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, noma and birth defects, affecting the mouth, teeth and facial structures are the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. Oral health is often misunderstood as just dental health, overlooking its broader importance.
Hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand the meeting kicked off on November 26 will wraps up on Friday, November 29, 2024 has been participating by the delegations from Member States, UN agencies, international organizations, philanthropic foundations, civil society organizations and other stakeholders dedicated to advancing oral health from 110 countries focusing on to produce national roadmaps and negotiate a joint declaration on oral health.
The Bangkok declaration on oral health is expected to outline six strategic objectives, 100 actions and 11 global targets aimed at reducing the burden of oral diseases that will contribute to the global NCD crisis.
A new global coalition on oral health aiming to foster partnerships and effectiveness of oral health initiatives worldwide.
The outcomes will be informed by the WHO Director-General in his report to be presented at the 4th UN HLM on NCDs in 2025.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is one of the world’s most severe, with some of the highest levels of food insecurity globally. The needy people are rising from 18.4 million in mid-2021 to approximately 23.7 million in 2024. Of these, about 17.9 million urgently require health assistance.
In this context, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy has concluded a 3-day visit to Afghanistan and met various health related authorities at different levels.
During the meeting, Dr. Balkhy said, “we must not forget the people of Afghanistan.” Thus she highlighted WHO’s commitment to providing support to people with substance use disorders, and ensuring their full integration into the community.
