Oral health a basic human right – Muinjangue
Oral health a cornerstone of a quality life
Deputy health minister Esther Muinjangue says oral health is a fundamental human right and the prevalence of oral disease underscores substantial inequalities in Namibia.
Deputy health and social services minister Esther Muinjangue says government is making positive strides in addressing the issue of oral diseases in communities.
She stressed that oral health is not a luxury but a basic human right.
Speaking at the official opening of the Oral Health Awareness Campaign held in Rundu last week, Muinjangue said every Namibian deserves quality oral health care.
Quality life
Muinjangue said that oral health is not merely about having a beautiful smile – it is also a cornerstone of a healthy and quality life.
"The state of our teeth and gums directly impacts our ability to eat, speak and maintain our overall health," she said.
"Oral health remains an area often overlooked, with many individuals unaware of its profound influence on our daily lives. It is, without a doubt, a silent but significant health burden that affects countless lives."
Preventable
She said people suffer from oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, despite most of these being preventable.
"Oral health is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. The burden of oral diseases reflects significant inequalities, with marginalised populations disproportionately impacted," she said.
Muinjangue said factors contributing to oral diseases include an unhealthy diet high in sugar, smoking, harmful use of alcohol, poor hygiene, and other social burdens.
"These are the same factors also responsible for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As such, there is a unique opportunity to prioritise oral health as a means to contribute directly to reducing NCDs and their associated risk factors," she said.
"Namibia has prioritised access to quality oral health services as part of its Universal Health Coverage agenda."
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She stressed that oral health is not a luxury but a basic human right.
Speaking at the official opening of the Oral Health Awareness Campaign held in Rundu last week, Muinjangue said every Namibian deserves quality oral health care.
Quality life
Muinjangue said that oral health is not merely about having a beautiful smile – it is also a cornerstone of a healthy and quality life.
"The state of our teeth and gums directly impacts our ability to eat, speak and maintain our overall health," she said.
"Oral health remains an area often overlooked, with many individuals unaware of its profound influence on our daily lives. It is, without a doubt, a silent but significant health burden that affects countless lives."
Preventable
She said people suffer from oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, despite most of these being preventable.
"Oral health is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. The burden of oral diseases reflects significant inequalities, with marginalised populations disproportionately impacted," she said.
Muinjangue said factors contributing to oral diseases include an unhealthy diet high in sugar, smoking, harmful use of alcohol, poor hygiene, and other social burdens.
"These are the same factors also responsible for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As such, there is a unique opportunity to prioritise oral health as a means to contribute directly to reducing NCDs and their associated risk factors," she said.
"Namibia has prioritised access to quality oral health services as part of its Universal Health Coverage agenda."
- [email protected]
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