World Oral Health Day 2026 spotlights oral health gaps in Africa

WHO Regional Director for Africa reported that oral diseases affected 42% of the region in 2021 and that only 17% currently have access to essential oral health services; Member States endorsed a regional framework in 2025 aimed at advancing universal oral health coverage by 2030.

On World Oral Health Day 2026 the WHO Regional Director for Africa drew attention to the significant and partly preventable burden of oral diseases across the WHO African Region. He reported that oral diseases affected 42% of the population in 2021 and noted ongoing pressure on families and health systems. Member States endorsed the WHO African Regional Framework on Oral Health in 2025 to advance the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan. The framework outlines a pathway toward universal oral health coverage by 2030. Key points: - Oral diseases including dental caries, gum disease, tooth loss and noma were reported to affect 42% of the region in 2021. - Only 17% of people in the region currently have access to essential oral health services, according to WHO. - Member States endorsed a regional oral health framework in 2025 that aims to advance the Global Oral Health Action Plan and work toward universal oral health coverage by 2030. - Countries and partners are reported to be translating commitments into actions such as national strategies, workforce training, and new dental training programmes in several countries including Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania. Summary: The reported figures indicate persistent gaps in prevention, service coverage and workforce capacity across the region, with a substantial share of the population affected by oral disease. Reported priorities focus on implementing the regional framework, strengthening workforce capacity and integrating essential oral health services at primary care level as part of efforts to reach universal oral health coverage by 2030.