Description
Introduction – Objectives:
Oral health is an essential component of overall health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked in the primary health packet for refugee populations. Studies consistently have shown that refugees face higher rates of oral diseases and encounter challenges in accessing oral health services compared to the most underprivileged populations in host countries. Given that more than half of the refugee population is younger than 18 years old, and mothers’ significant role in securing oral health for children, promoting oral health among refugee mothers and children is crucial. This presentation aims to present content analysis findings from current major refugee health frameworks, initiatives, and guidelines, highlighting gaps, and proposing potential integration points for oral health as primary health care for refugee maternal and child populations.
Methodology:
Refugee health experts from the World Federation of Public Health Associations and World Dental Federations will identify major refugee health frameworks, initiatives, and guidelines using search terms such as "refugee," "migrant," "oral health," "dental," "dentists," "women," "child," "mother," and "primary care." Each framework, initiative, and guideline will be analyzed to identify 1) the emphasis on oral health for maternal and child populations and 2) potential integration points of oral health into antenatal and primary health care strategies. Gaps and opportunities will be aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Oral Health Action Plan and measures.
Results and Discussions:
This study analyzes current international refugee health frameworks, initiatives, and guidelines to underscore the absence of oral health inclusion and identify potential integration points. The goal is to position oral health as an essential component of antenatal and primary health care for refugees, particularly focusing on maternal and child populations. The findings will be aligned with WHO's Global Oral Health Action Plan published in 2023. It is anticipated that these findings and their interpretation will advocate for the integration of oral health into refugee primary health strategies and guide major international organizations in repositioning oral health within primary and antenatal health care systems for refugee populations.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study are expected to underscore the importance of oral health in current and future refugee health strategies and priorities, particularly for pregnant women, mothers, and young children. By identifying gaps and opportunities in current refugee health strategies, the aim is to ensure equitable access to essential oral health services for refugees as a fundamental health right.
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