By Dr. Joseph D. Lim
There are millions of refugees worldwide. And their oral health needs beg for urgent attention, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and FDI World Dental Federation, the world’s largest grouping of dental associations.
To address this, a comprehensive policy brief was launched, titled “Addressing Oral Health Needs in Refugees: Policy and Collaboration Strategies.”
As of mid-2023, the global refugee population reached 36.4 million, doubling over seven years. Refugees, often housed in poor countries, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including oral health services.
These barriers include limited resources, displacement, cultural and language differences, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals.
There are several critical issues, the UNHCR and FDI state in a policy brief:
* High burden of oral diseases — Refugees experience high rates of untreated dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral infections, and trauma.
* Impact on quality of life — Poor oral health affects refugees’ ability to eat, speak and socialize, posing obstacles to integration and resettlement.
* Economic strain — Untreated oral health issues increase the demand for emergency dental interventions and higher healthcare costs for host countries.
To address these challenges, the policy brief proposes integrating oral health into primary healthcare systems and universal health coverages. This integration would ensure refugees receive comprehensive oral healthcare, reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving overall health outcomes.
The policy brief offers specific recommendations for different emergency phases:
* Include oral health in primary healthcare systems, increase support and funding, and develop culturally appropriate oral healthcare programs.
* Ensure essential oral health is part of the initial emergency response, prioritize disease management and prevention, and integrate oral healthcare into established public health programs.
By implementing the recommendations, stakeholders can ensure that refugees receive essential oral healthcare, contributing to their overall well-being.
The policy brief marks a pivotal moment in addressing the oral health needs of refugees, a result of FDI’s active participation in the high-level technical meeting convened by the World Health Organization on noncommunicable diseases.
FDI has been a strong advocate for promoting oral health among vulnerable populations, including refugees. Its initiatives such as Vision 2030: Delivering Optimal Oral Health for All and the Refugees Oral Health Project demonstrate its commitment to improving oral health outcomes.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De La Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/WDJ