Virtual Launch of the WHO/PAHO Regional Status Report on Oral Health

The Pan American Health Organization carried out the virtual launch event of the WHO/PAHO Regional Oral Health Status Report, which provided a comprehensive overview of the oral health situation in the region, the resources available, and the challenges and opportunities for advancing the Oral Health Agenda towards universal health integration by 2030.

This first regional report was built on the Global oral health status report: towards universal health coverage for oral health by 2030: executive summary published by WHO in 2022, following the recognition that oral health should be integrated into the noncommunicable disease (NCDs) agenda and that essential oral health care interventions should be included in the universal health coverage and access benefit packages (Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly, the landmark resolution WHA74.5).

The prevalence of oral diseases in the Americas is a major public health problem. They have a high prevalence (approximately 46%) and significant negative impacts on individuals at any point in their course of life and their communities. About 470 million people are estimated to be affected by oral diseases and other oral conditions, most of which are preventable. These numbers are higher than for any other non-communicable disease (NCD).

The event was co-organized and co-sponsored with the WHO Collaborating Center (WHOCC) for Quality Improvement and Evidence-Based Dentistry at New York University School of Dentistry. WHOCC is related to oral health in the region.