Brazzaville (Congo), Ferney Voltaire (France), 8 April 2004 -- General development as well as health and oral health indicators in the African region are among the lowest in the world. Oral diseases such as dental caries, oral cancer, periodontal disease and Noma, among others, impact significantly on general health, yet these do not feature prominently enough on the media and political agendas of most countries in Africa. 

To address this situation, the FDI World Dental Federation and the World Health Organization are using their unique network of members, partners and stakeholders to organize an international conference on oral health in the African Region from 14 - 16 April in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The conference aims at sensitizing political leaders to the link between oral and systemic health, and generally raising awareness on oral health issues in the Region. It will also propose some oral health strategies to complement existing proven interventions, as well as develop and strengthen public-private partnerships to improve oral health and oral health strategies. 

"Oral disease is a serious problem that is not only a matter of oral hygiene and health, but can also be a precursor to other dangerous and potentially life - threatening illness", says WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Ebrahim Samba.

He further says: "There is a disproportionate number and prevalence of oral disease in the African Region. Of particular concern are, dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancers, maxillo-facial trauma and the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS. However, Noma stands out as it represents a special challenge, an avoidable tragedy of poverty and underdevelopment." 

Increasing poverty and high levels of compromised immune systems due to malnutrition or undernourishment are believed to contribute to the rise in the prevalence of conditions such as Noma. 

"With early detection, Noma can be arrested with interventions involving local antiseptics, antibiotics and an upgrade in nutrition to prevent its gangrenous phase. Still, many African children succumb to it because their families cannot reach treatment centres or afford proven interventions", Dr Samba adds. 

"Oral diseases are relatively easy to prevent, yet they are expensive to treat. 

This conference will show the way forward by demonstrating how we can go about prevention in a cost-effective way", says Dr. Habib Benzian, the Development Manager of FDI World Dental Federation. 

The three-day conference will be attended by 13 Ministers of Health or Finance and 40 delegations from African countries and all African FDI member associations.

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