1. Oral health is integral to general health and well-being, yet it has long been neglected. Consequently, oral diseases have become the most prevalent health conditions globally and regionally. Nearly half of the global population, including that of the African Region, suffer from some form of oral disease. Oral diseases share common risk factors with major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Despite the oral disease burden and linkage with major NCDs, it remains critically underfunded, with fragmented and siloed approaches by governments and stakeholders to oral health in the Region across all pillars of the health system.
  2. To address this situation, the Regional oral health strategy 2016–2025: addressing oral diseases as part of NCDs, was endorsed in 2016. At the global level, following the adoption in 2021 of resolution WHA74.5 on oral health, the Global strategy on oral health and the Global oral health action plan 2023–2030 were endorsed in 2022 and 2023, respectively, all aiming for universal coverage of oral health services for all by 2030.
  3. With the current regional strategy set to end in 2025, this Framework provides new strategic guidance to Member States in the Region. It draws on lessons from the previous regional strategy and adapts key aspects of the Global oral health action plan 2023–2030 to the African context. The Framework aims to strengthen oral health functions across all health system pillars using a people-centred approach to achieve universal coverage of oral health services for all in the Region by 2030. It aligns with existing regional initiatives to promote oral health, prevent and control disease and adopt a more integrated approach to NCDs in pursuit of universal health coverage.
  4. The Framework underscores the necessity of strong political commitment and resource investment in oral health. It calls for stronger leadership and inter- and multisectoral partnerships to empower individuals to achieve optimal oral health by addressing the social and commercial determinants and risk factors of oral diseases and conditions. It also highlights the importance of developing innovative workforce models to meet the oral health needs of populations; integrating essential oral health services with financial protection and reliable supplies, especially at the primary care level; and strengthening surveillance and research to enable evidence-informed policy-making.
  5. WHO and its partners will support Member States in implementing this Framework by creating an enabling environment through advocacy, partner coordination, resource mobilization, technical assistance and capacity building.
  6. The Regional Committee examined and adopted the proposed actions.