Honourable Dr Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, Malaysia,
Distinguished Member State representatives,
Esteemed partners,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen:
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Dental Fraternity, for successfully hosting the oral health care side event, for the second consecutive year at the WHA in Geneva.
This remarkable achievement, following the inaugural event at last year’s WHA, is a testament to your dedication and hard work.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Health of Malaysia, my good friend Honourable Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad and the co-host of this event, for your unwavering commitment, to prioritizing oral health care.
Your leadership and support are truly inspiring and essential, in advancing our shared goals.
As we conclude this crucial discussion, let us take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made, and the work that still lies ahead.
Oral health is just not a medical concern; it is a fundamental pillar of universal health coverage touching the lives of millions.
Oral diseases affect nearly 3.7 billion people globally including over 800 million in the Western Pacific Region.
Behind every statistic, is a human story. Imagine a child who struggles to eat, speak, or even smile, due to untreated dental issues, an adult who loses the joy of sharing meals with loved ones, or an elderly person who after years of pain, finally receives care that restores their dignity and comfort.
These are not just numbers, they are real lives impacted by our commitment to oral health.
When we advocate for stronger policies and investment, we are championing their right to a life free from preventable suffering.
The commitment made at WHA77 sparked momentum, and we have witnessed tangible steps forward.
Member States are making significant strides in embedding oral health into broader health strategies, giving us hope for a healthier future.
In November last year, I attended the Global Oral Health Meeting in Bangkok, where countries reaffirmed oral health as a global priority.
The Bangkok Declaration emphasized the importance of integration of oral health into primary health care and NCD responses.
It also highlighted the shared risk factors with other NCDs, including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets.
In the Western Pacific Region, last year’s Regional Committee agreed on implementation priorities aligned with the Global Oral Health Action Plan.
These priorities include integrating oral health into primary health care and universal health coverage, promoting oral health across the life course, and strengthening policy and governance.
This year, Member States will discuss key priorities to accelerate progress on oral health at the upcoming session.
As we look to the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, we must continue advocating for strong policies and sustained investment in oral health, and support Member States to translate commitments into action.
Together, let us ensure that oral health is not just an afterthought, but a priority woven into the fabric of universal health coverage.
Let us ensure everyone can enjoy the dignity of well-being and a healthy, confident smile.
As we move forward, let us remember the words of Dr F. Mason Sones, “The mouth is the mirror of the body”.
By prioritizing, oral health, we are not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the overall health and well-being of our communities.
Thank you.