UN Declaration Seals Global Commitment to Oral Health and NCD Action

FDI World Dental Federation has welcomed the formal adoption of the Political Declaration of the Fourth High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being by the United Nations General Assembly — a decision that marks a historic breakthrough for oral health on the global stage.

For the first time in a United Nations High-level Meeting, oral health is explicitly recognised in both the preambular and operative sections of the text. The Declaration acknowledges the global burden of oral conditions, their shared risk factors with other NCDs, and the urgent need to scale up access to essential oral healthcare as part of universal health coverage.

The Political Declaration reaffirms oral health as an integral component of overall health and well-being. By strengthening commitments to prevent and control NCDs through integrated, people-centred approaches, it creates new opportunities to address oral diseases alongside other NCDs, tackle shared risk factors, and build stronger health systems.

"This adoption is a defining moment for global oral health," said Asst. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, FDI President. "Despite delays and political challenges, the international community has now formally recognised oral diseases as part of the NCD agenda. It affirms that oral health is fundamental to overall health, equity, and sustainable development, and must be fully integrated into national NCD strategies and health systems."

The Declaration also delivers new global targets to be achieved by 2030, including 150 million fewer tobacco users, 150 million more people with controlled hypertension, and 150 million more people with access to mental health care. It includes commitments on regulating e-cigarettes, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and eliminating industrially produced trans fats.

FDI notes that compared with earlier drafts, the scope of the Declaration was weakened in certain areas — particularly on prevention, health taxes, and the explicit recognition of civil society's role. These shortcomings underscore the continued influence of commercial interests and highlight the need for continuous civil society-led accountability. FDI will use the Declaration as an advocacy tool to support members and hold governments accountable in the lead-up to the 2027 UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.