79th WHA Constituency Statements
No Health Without Oral Health
Growing evidence links oral health with systemic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, bleeding disorders, and respiratory infections. Integrating oral health can strengthen prevention, enable earlier detection, and improve the comprehensive management of chronic conditions. We call on Member States to integrate essential oral health services into primary healthcare and universal health coverage, and embed oral health in national monitoring, health information systems, and accountability frameworks, aligned with the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan.
Strengthening primary health care requires a decisive shift toward integrated, prevention-oriented systems that address health needs across the life course. Early action on nutrition, healthy environments, self-care, and oral health promotion, can reduce childhood obesity and NCDs and shape lifelong health. We encourage Member States to invest in early-life interventions and sustained, person-centered care that support healthy ageing, preserve function, cognitive health, and promote dignity and quality of life.
Effective PHC must also address upstream and commercial determinants of health through coordinated, multisectoral action. We urge Member States to strengthen PHC governance through inclusive country-led coalitions that empower people living with NCDs, communities, and civil society.
Progress requires sustained investment in multidisciplinary workforces, community-based services, implementation research, and robust, disaggregated data systems to guide decisions and ensure accountability.
We stand ready to support Member States through research, innovation, and collaboration.
Thank you.