Strengthening health systems to tackle oral diseases in Africa
Africa centers for disease control and prevention’s role
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22071853 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Morenike O Folayan (0000-0002-9008-7730, Obafemi Awolowo University, corresponding author), Adeyinka Ganiyat Ishola (0000-0002-5773-5943, University of Ibadan), Ahmed Bhayat (0000-0002-8103-1233, University of Pretoria), Maha El Tantawi (0000-0003-4989-6584, Alexandria University), Nicaise Ndembi (0000-0001-5131-3136, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1539805-1539805 |
| Publication date | 2025-01-23 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1539805 |
| PMID | 39916711 |
| OpenAlex | W4406775118 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 49 |
Oral diseases remain a significant public health challenge in Africa. Despite their prevalence, oral health is often overlooked in national health agendas and universal health coverage frameworks. This manuscript explores the crucial role of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in strengthening health systems to address the growing oral health problem in Africa. A rapid review of the literature was conducted in databases like PubMed and ScienceDirect identified 18 relevant studies focusing on workforce size, retention, distribution, patient access, and system outcomes. The analysis revealed severe workforce shortages, uneven distribution, and systemic neglect, particularly in rural areas. Promising interventions included dental education programs, task-shifting to mid-level workers, and mobile dental units. Key recommendations emphasize integrating oral health into national policies, addressing inequities, expanding training, and improving infrastructure and workforce retention through incentives. By leveraging its position and resources, the Africa CDC can take strategic actions to strengthen surveillance and data-driven policy development, provide technical assistance to Africa Union Member States for health system integration, support capacity building for oral health workforce development, promote preventive and community-based oral health interventions, facilitate cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing, mobilize resources and funding for oral health programs, and support the local production of oral health products. These all aligns with the institution’s new public health order for Africa’s health security and one of the institutions’ 2023–2027 goals
Business · Capacity building · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental health · Incentive · Psychological intervention · Public health · Workforce · Workforce development · Dental Health and Care Utilization · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Medicine · Nursing · Health Policy
The Lancet Global Health Commission on financing primary health care
Disparities in Access to Oral Health Care
Oral diseases
Identifying Key Challenges Facing Healthcare Systems In Africa And Potential Solutions
Burden of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, 1990–2017
Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019
Reinforcing community health workers program in africa for universal health coverage and global health security
Including oral health training in a health system strengthening program in Rwanda
Oral Health Workforce in Africa
A Mobile Dental System in Southern Africa
Barriers to Care-Seeking for Children’s Oral Health Among Low-Income Caregivers
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |