Nearly half of the world's population is affected by oral diseases, and cases are growing faster than the global population. 

According to the latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people living with oral diseases worldwide is approximately 1 billion more than the number of people living with mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, chronic

 respiratory diseases and all cancers combined.

People with oral diseases are more likely to suffer from diabetes, stroke and respiratory diseases, among others. It is estimated that the direct cost of treatment and lost productivity can be up to $710 billion per year.

Despite this, oral health remains a neglected global challenge that is disproportionately affecting the world's most vulnerable populations.

To address these challenges, the World Economic Forum established the Oral Health Awareness Group (OHAG) in 2023 under its Global Health Equity Network. 

The group is comprised of more than 50 companies working to advance health equity and create a stronger, more productive society.

The group has released a new report called The Economic Justification for a Global Commitment to Investing in Oral Health, which explores the economic justification for investing in oral health and why health systems need to consider oral health 

alongside other body parts.