BANGKOK: In a historic move, delegations from over 110 countries are converging in Bangkok for the World Health Organization's (WHO) first-ever global oral health meeting. The event, hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, aims to develop national roadmaps and negotiate the groundbreaking Bangkok Declaration on Oral Health, which will set collective commitments for advancing the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030.
Oral diseases, which affect 3.5 billion people globally, are the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Often overlooked, oral health encompasses conditions such as dental caries, gum disease, oral cancer, and noma, all of which profoundly impact basic human functions like eating, speaking, and breathing.
“Oral health is an integral part of overall health and well-being,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This meeting is a critical step towards universal health coverage (UHC), ensuring no one is left behind.”
Thailand’s Minister of Public Health, H.E. Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, emphasized the host country’s commitment to UHC, stating, “We are proud to lead this global conversation on improving access to affordable oral health care and promoting prevention at the community level.”
Key goals of the meeting
The declaration aims to:
- Establish oral health as a fundamental human right.
- Integrate oral care into primary health care and UHC packages.
- Expand access to affordable and effective oral health services globally.
The meeting also serves as a preparatory milestone for the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs (4th UN HLM on NCDs). Its outcomes will inform the WHO Director-General’s report and further integrate oral diseases into the global NCD agenda.
A new era of collaboration
A highlight of the event is the anticipated announcement of a Global Coalition on Oral Health, a collaborative initiative to drive partnerships and enhance the impact of oral health programs worldwide.
The Bangkok meeting features representatives from UN agencies, civil society organizations, philanthropic foundations, and other key stakeholders. Together, they aim to address gaps in oral health care and foster innovations to benefit communities worldwide.
“The Bangkok Declaration will shape a new era for oral health, making it a priority in global health policies,” said a WHO spokesperson.