78th WHA Individual Statements
Item 13.1:
We commend WHO and Member States for the progress made since the adoption of the Oral Health Resolution (WHA74.5) and subsequent Global Strategy on Oral Health (WHA75(11)), including the establishment of an international coalition on oral health.
Oral diseases remain among the prevalent NCDs, affecting nearly 3.7 billion people. Despite being largely preventable, they persist due to fragmented health systems and limited financial protection. The WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan (WHA76(9)) provides a strong framework to address this gap.
We urge Member States to accelerate the implementation of the Action Plan, with particular emphasis on:
• Integrating essential oral health services into primary health care and UHC packages;
• Strengthening oral health monitoring within national health systems; and
• Investing in research and workforce development to support evidence-based action.
IADR stands ready to support Member States and WHO in realizing the commitments of the resolution through collaborative research, policy engagement, and implementation support.
Thank you.