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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that only 17% of people in Africa currently have access to essential oral health services.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, in a statement issued to mark the 2026 World Oral Health Day, described oral health as a silent yet widespread health challenge affecting communities across Africa.
“Oral diseases are among the most common and preventable health conditions, yet they remain one of the most neglected areas of public health. Oral diseases, including dental caries, gum disease, tooth loss and the devastating condition noma, affected 42% of our population in 2021,” said Janabi.
“These conditions cause pain, disability and avoidable suffering, while placing sustained pressure on families, communities and health systems.”
Janabi noted that despite this challenge, major oral healthcare access gaps exist, citing a shortage of oral healthcare workers and other factors as contributing to the oral health challenge on the continent.
“However, major gaps persist. Only 17% of people in our region currently have access to essential oral health services. Workforce shortages, chronic underinvestment and insufficient prevention measures, including high sugar consumption and inadequate fluoride exposure, continue to drive preventable oral diseases, especially in undeserved areas,” Janabi added.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa added that the organisation is working to fill these gaps by supporting African countries in transitioning towards environmentally sustainable, less invasive oral health care.
