WALVIS BAY – Health and Social Services minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has expressed alarm at the impact of oral diseases worldwide, noting that it affects an approximate 3.5 billion people globally.
In Namibia, the challenges are significant, and he indicated that 37.8% of children aged one to nine suffer from untreated caries in their deciduous teeth, while 32.1% of individuals aged five and older have untreated caries in their permanent teeth.
Moreover, severe periodontal disease affects 23.6% of people aged 15 and older, while 11.2% of adults are affected by edentulism, Shangula said in a speech delivered on his behalf at the launch of the 2024 National Oral Health Awareness Week at Walvis Bay yesterday.
In response to these challenges, the minister highlighted initiatives implemented by the government.
“We have sent students to Cuba to study dentistry, and all 50 of them have returned to join our healthcare system. Furthermore, the University of Namibia is actively training future dentists, contributing to the nation’s healthcare workforce,” he stated.
Shangula added that his ministry has also made significant strides in expanding dental care across the country. Up to date, 35 out of 36 health districts have stationed dentists, compared to just nine dental clinics at Independence in 1990.
Mobile dental clinics and school health initiatives are likewise helping to bring essential dental services to underserved areas.
Erongo regional governor Neville Andre highlighted how dental services’ provision in the Erongo region was previously reliant on outreach services from the Swakopmund and Walvis Bay district hospitals.
“It is noteworthy to mention the strides the ministry has made in order to strengthen dental services in the Erongo region.
Full-time dental services were extended to the Omaruru and Usakos districts since 2017.
Additionally, the communities of Uis, Okombahe, Karibib and Otjimbingwe have so far benefitted from the presence of the dental truck, with services such as scaling and polishing and tooth restorations.”
Themed: ‘A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Body’, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
-Nampa