On the occasion of World Oral Health Day 2026, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, has issued a stark reminder that oral diseases remain a silent but widespread crisis across the continent. Despite being largely preventable, these conditions continue to be one of the most neglected areas of public health in the African region.
A Burgeoning Health Burden
Data reveals that as of 2021, 42% of the African population suffered from oral diseases, including dental caries, gum disease, tooth loss, and the life-threatening condition known as noma. These ailments do more than cause physical pain; they place an immense socioeconomic strain on families and health systems.
“Oral diseases are among the most common and preventable health conditions, yet they remain one of the most neglected areas of public health,” stated Dr. Janabi. “Improving oral health is fundamental to universal health coverage. In addition to reducing preventable illness, it also lowers long-term costs and improves well-being across the life course.”
Progress Through Policy and Partnerships
The regional outlook is shifting following the 2025 endorsement of the WHO African Regional Framework on Oral Health. This roadmap aims for universal oral health coverage by 2030. Several nations are already making significant strides, countries like Ghana, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Uganda have launched national strategies focused on prevention, in Ethiopia, over 850 primary care workers have been trained to detect noma early, with surveillance integrated into drug campaigns reaching 2.6 million people, while Malawi has established its first-ever Bachelor of Dental Surgery program and graduated its first locally-trained dentists.
The Tanzania Success Story
Tanzania has emerged as a leader in workforce deployment. Between 2023 and 2025, the country trained 594 dental therapists and successfully deployed dentists to all 184 district councils. This strategic move saw the availability of restorative treatments in health facilities jump from 25% to 45% in just two years.
Persistent Barriers to Care
Despite these victories, the path to equity remains steep. Currently, only 17% of people in the African region have access to essential oral health services.
Dr. Janabi highlighted several critical factors driving the disease burden like workforce shortages, dietary risks wwhich is the rising levels of high sugar consumption, preventative gaps of inadequate exposure to fluoride, environmental concerns, which is the need to phase out mercury-containing dental amalgam in favor of eco-friendly, less invasive treatments.
A Call to Mobilize
As the region looks toward 2030, the WHO is urging governments and civil society to accelerate the implementation of national strategies. The focus is shifting toward primary care integration, ensuring that oral health is no longer treated as an “extra” but as a core component of general health.
By fostering sustained investment and international cooperation, the WHO aims to ensure that future generations in Africa can grow, learn, and live free from preventable oral diseases.
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