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Health
WHO Report Shows Oral Neglect Affecting Half of World’s Population
Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer
A new Global Oral Health Status Report shows that almost half of the world’s population (45% or 3.5 billion people) suffer from oral diseases, with three out of every four affected people living in low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) report, published in November, provides the first-ever comprehensive picture of oral disease burden with data profiles for 194 nations.
It also outlines how global cases of oral diseases have increased by 1 billion over the last 30 years—a clear indication that many people do not have access to the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
“Oral health has long been neglected in global health, but many oral diseases can be prevented and treated with the cost-effective measures outlined in this report,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“WHO is committed to providing guidance and support to countries so that all people, wherever they live and whatever their income, have the knowledge and tools needed to look after their teeth and mouths, and to access services for prevention and care when they need them.”
WHO says the most common oral diseases are dental caries (tooth decay), severe gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers.
Untreated dental caries is the single most common condition globally, affecting an estimated 2.5 billion people.
Severe gum disease–a major cause of total tooth loss– is estimated to affect 1 billion people worldwide.
In addition, about 380,000 new cases of oral cancers are diagnosed yearly.
The report also underscores the glaring inequalities in access to oral health services, with a huge burden of oral diseases and conditions affecting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.
People on low incomes, people with disabilities, older people living alone or in care homes, those living in remote and rural communities, and people from minority groups carry a higher burden of oral diseases.
WHO said this pattern of inequalities is similar to other noncommunicable diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental disorders.
“Risk factors common to noncommunicable diseases such as high sugar intake, all forms of tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol all contribute to the global oral health crisis,” the organization said in a statement.
Essential oral health services cover only a small percentage of the global population, and those with the greatest need often have the least access to services.
The key barriers to delivering access to oral health services for all include high out-of-pocket costs, expensive high-tech equipment and materials, and poor information and surveillance systems.
In response, the report provides recommendations to improve global oral health, including adopting a public health approach by addressing common risk factors, planning oral health services as part of national health, and integrating oral health data into national health monitoring systems.
“Placing people at the heart of oral health services is critical if we are to achieve the vision of universal health coverage for all individuals and communities by 2030,” said Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases.
“This report acts as a starting point by providing baseline information to help countries monitor progress of implementation, while also providing timely and relevant feedback to decision-makers at the national level. Together, we can change the current situation of oral health neglect.” WI
5 A new report from the World Health Organization provides the first-ever comprehensive picture of oral disease with data for 194 nations. (Courtesy Photo)
DCHA from Page 5
tempt to quash divergent voices on the board, including Board Commissioner Bill Slover, who in years past has questioned city contracts and the qualifications of DCHA leadership.
In regard to the timeliness of the emergency legislation, D.C. Councilmember Brook Pinto (D-Ward 2) described it as rushed and without sufficient constituent input.
In the moments before she and D.C. Councilmembers Elissa Silverman (I-At large), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) voted against the emergency legislation, Pinto implored her colleagues to wait until the next Council period to work on more substantial changes within the Authority.
On Dec. 16, Pinto and Silverman introduced legislation making more permanent changes to DCHA, including its re-establishment as an independent board.
“At the end of the day, trying to make improvements around the edges to make reform on emergency is not right,” Pinto said.
“We don’t need to settle for a proposal,” Pinto said.
“We can deliver what our residents deserve through consideration of the permanent legislation proposed last week. We should move at the beginning of the next council period.”
Since its establishment nearly 50 years ago, DCHA has been charged with providing the District’s lowest-income residents with safe, affordable housing through public housing and voucher programs. The Authority owns 52 properties and has purview over more than 30,000 households.
Its Board of Commissioners currently consists of 13 members, including the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development, six members appointed by the mayor, one appointed by the D.C. Council, and a housing advocacy representative.
While mostly under the control of the mayor, DCHA has struggled to overcome several challenges, including housing unit vacancies, an ever-expanding waitlist and asbestos and mold problems on its properties.
HUD’s report in September indicted DCHA on its failure to provide safe and decent housing and adhere to HUD program requirements and rules. Recommendations included in-
5 The D.C. Council and Chair Phil Mendelson (pictured) approved emergency legislation dismantling the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) Board of Commissioners and replacing it with the Stabilization and Reform Board. (Courtesy Photo) creasing transparency within the Board of Commissioners and training board members on their roles and HUD redevelopment of properties.
As Bowser and Mendelson’s bill made it through the Council, it underwent several adjustments, including the reduction of the Stabilization and Reform Board’s lifespan from three years to two. Other changes increased resident participation and expanded participation to those who aren’t mayoral allies.
The approved legislation also facilitates the creation of a new DCHA board within 18 months.
D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large) lauded the legislation as a step in the right direction.
“We …need to make a clear statement that this plan is designed to move the Authority forward with the input from those who live on the properties and those in housing throughout the city that have benefited through the voucher [program],” Bonds said.
“There are many hopes that we are changing the governance structure by changing the process by which individuals will see the benefits. It has to be done. We can’t leave it as is.”
However, Silverman, in her last legislative session, as she was not re-elected, vehemently questioned whether the emergency legislation would make the substantive changes desired.
On Tuesday, she held up a copy of a 1994 news article about dismal public housing conditions, while explaining her disappointment about what she described as the lack of progress District officials have made in public housing over the last 30 years.
“We keep making the same mistake again and again,” Silverman said.
“There’s no argument that the DCHA Board of Commissioners needs subject-matter expertise. The amendments are worthy in that it takes a flawed idea… and makes it a little better,” she added.
“That’s not the same as reforming this agency. Let’s not cross our fingers and hope that this will make the changes we need this time.” WI @SamPKCollins
