Oral diseases are severely under-addressed globally, despite their prevalence and link to chronic illnesses.

Political conflict, poverty, and lack of access to clean water and dental care have greatly impacted oral health in Palestine. In 2021, oral diseases in Palestine ranked just behind COVID-19 and upper respiratory infections in terms of morbidity. The 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study reported 52,609 cases of oral diseases per 100,000 population and 11,424 disability-adjusted life-years due to oral disease, with children and adolescents being the most affected.

Before the recent conflict in Gaza, access to dental care in Palestine varied. In the West Bank, services were available through private clinics, government health centres, and NGOs. However, high costs limited access to private care for low-income families, and public clinics had long waiting times and shortage of resources.

According to The Lancet, Palestine’s high rates of oral diseases are common in low- and middle-income countries. Oral diseases, encompassing conditions such as dental caries and oral cancers, are severely under-addressed globally, despite their prevalence and link to chronic illnesses.

The ongoing war has worsened these challenges, overwhelming hospitals and depleting medical supplies. Only 17 per cent of Gaza’s primary care facilities are operational, highlighting the urgent need for more resources.

International aid and capacity building are crucial, with community health workers trained to identify oral diseases, administer fluoride treatments, and promote oral hygiene practices, says The Lancet article. 

The lack of accessible and effective oral health care in Palestine and other low-income countries is a major public health issue. Urgent policy reforms and interventions are needed to prevent further deterioration of the health infrastructure.

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