Platform for Better Oral Health Launches Call to Action for EU Leadership in Global Health Policy

The Platform for Better Oral Health is excited to announce the launch of our Call to Action, urging EU policymakers to prioritize oral health in the upcoming negotiations for the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). As discussions unfold, it is crucial that oral health is recognized as an integral component of global health policy.

With nearly 4 billion people affected by oral conditions worldwide, the need for action has never been more urgent. Our call emphasizes the importance of integrating oral health into universal health coverage, aligning with the commitments made in the Bangkok Declaration: “No Health Without Oral Health.”

We are calling on the EU and its Member States to:

• Unite at the UN High-Level Meeting to ensure oral health is included in the final Political Declaration.
• Support the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health (2023–2030) by promoting initiatives that facilitate coordination across Member States and advocating for measurable global targets.
• Integrate oral health into existing public health frameworks, including Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and Universal Health Coverage strategies.

Investing in oral health is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. Studies show that some EU Member States see returns of up to €57.50 for every €1 spent on gum disease prevention. By addressing oral health, we can prevent and reduce NCDs, advance health equity, and strengthen economic resilience.
The Platform for Better Oral Health, a coalition of leading organizations in the field, is committed to driving this agenda forward. We believe that the EU has the tools, credibility, and responsibility to lead by example on both the European and global stages.

Join us in advocating for a future where oral health is prioritized in global health discussions. Together, we can make a difference!