Nigeria, March 11 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concern about the growing burden of oral diseases in Africa, noting that only 17 per cent of people in the region have access to essential oral health services, despite the high prevalence of preventable dental conditions.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, disclosed this in a message to commemorate World Oral Health Day 2026.

World Oral Health Day is a global health awareness day observed annually on 20 March to highlight the importance of oral health and encourage people to prevent dental diseases through better hygiene and regular care. The theme for 2026 is "A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life."

Mr Janabi noted that oral diseases are among the most com...