The world oral health report 2003

Overview

The World Health Report 2002 outlined the extent of disease, disability and death in the world today that can be attributed to a number of the most important risks to human health. This is of great interest in itself but, more importantly, the report also indicated how much of this burden could be avoided in the next couple of decades if the same risk factors were reduced from now onwards. The report identified a number of cost-effective interventions to counter some of these risk factors. Intervention is defined broadly as "any health action – any promotive, preventive, curative, or rehabilitative activity where the primary intent is to improve health". Apart from the obvious health benefits, reducing risks to health will promote sustainable development and reduce inequities in society.