Minister of Health and Social Services 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 , Shangula noted that the challenges are significant , indicating that 37 . 8 per cent of children aged one to nine suffer from untreated caries in their deciduous teeth , while 32 . 1 per cent of individuals aged five and older have untreated caries in their permanent teeth . Moreover , severe periodontal disease affects 23 . 6 per cent of people aged 15 and older , while 11 . 2 per cent 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 on Tuesday . 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 further added that the ministry has also made significant strides in expanding dental care across the country , adding that 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 also helping to bring essential dental services to underserved areas . Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope 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 made in order to strengthen dental services in the Erongo Region . Fulltime 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 pr
esence of the dental truck with services such as scaling and polishing and tooth restorations , amongst other services .’ Themed : ‘ A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Body ‘, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices .

Source:The Namibia News Agency