Concept Note: Global Coalition on Oral Health

Oral diseases affect close to 3.7 billion people worldwide, with a disproportionate impact on poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals. These conditions combined have an estimated global prevalence of 47%, which is higher than the prevalence of any other noncommunicable disease (NCD). Global cases of oral diseases have increased by one billion over the last 30 years showing that in most countries people do not have access to essential oral health care. 

According to the Bangkok Declaration – No Health Without Oral Health, the aim of the Global Coalition on Oral Health is to support the efforts of WHO in developing a comprehensive and cohesive approach among Member States, UN agencies and non-State actors, including nongovernmental organizations, academic and research institutions, philanthropic foundations and private sector entities, to conduct action oriented and effective advocacy towards achieving UHC for oral health in countries.