We are pleased to welcome a new NGO member of the NCDA Supporters Consultation Group (SCG) - the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI).

FDI has partnered NCDA to accelerate political commitment and action on NCDs worldwide and scale up the global fight against oral diseases. 

Oral diseases affect 3.9 billion people worldwide and their impact on individuals and communities is considerable in terms of pain and suffering, impairment of function and reduced quality of life. Many of the preventative strategies are however shared with the other NCDs (mainly cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and mental health and neurological disorders) including tackling unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.

Therefore, by pooling resources and addressing common risk factors, FDI strives to fulfil its vision of ‘leading the world to optimal oral health’ and facilitate a move from the current predominant curative care model, focused on individual clinical patient services, towards population-wide preventive interventions. 

Dr Patrick Hescot, FDI President, said “International efforts to reduce the burden of other NCDs have shown that bold moves are possible with strong leadership and broad political support. We are delighted to join the NCDA Supporters Consultation Group and work with colleagues from other disease communities to keep the pressure on UN Member States and governments. It is now time to ensure that oral health is integrated into these efforts, which is why NCD Alliance is seen as a key strategic partner”.

Jose Luis Castro, Chair, NCD Alliance, added “We welcome FDI to the NCDA family and are thrilled to be collaborating with the oral health community. For far too long, organisations have worked in silos when we can achieve so much more together. We share a common goal, which is to help avoid the unnecessary death and disability of millions of people worldwide. NCD Alliance has proven that by bringing disease communities together and working towards shared objectives we can drive change a lot quicker than if we go it alone.”    

NCDA Supporters Consultation Group comprises non-governmental organisations (NGOs), foundations and private sector partners that share a common interest in improving the lives of people living with NCDs and tackling their risk factors. The SCG identifies new opportunities to advance the NCD agenda through multi-sectoral engagement, monitoring progress, and providing strategic advice on global campaigns. 

FDI is the first NGO representing oral health to join the group and sits aside organisations representing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory diseases. It aims to represent the voice of the dental profession by mobilising its network of one million dentists from more than 230 member organisations in over 100 countries globally.  

For more information contact: Charanjit K. Jagait, PhD Communications & Advocacy Director - FDI World Dental Federation - [email protected]