Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai on Friday hosted officials from the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to discuss the need for expanding oral healthcare services under the Social Health Authority (SHA). The meeting, held under the Ministry of Health’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative, emphasized the importance of making dental care more accessible and affordable for Kenyans.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, discussions focused on incorporating comprehensive oral healthcare services into SHA benefits. The move aims to ensure that more Kenyans have access to preventive and curative dental services, addressing the growing burden of oral diseases in the country.
A key concern raised during the meeting was the heavy reliance on imported dental materials and equipment, which account for over 90 percent of the supplies used in Kenya. This dependence significantly raises the cost of dental services, making them inaccessible to many citizens. The ministry and KDA officials explored ways to boost local manufacturing of dental products to reduce costs and improve access to essential oral healthcare supplies.
The officials also underscored the importance of community-level awareness and early intervention in oral health. As part of the preventive healthcare agenda, the ministry announced plans to train 750 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in oral health. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy of shifting focus from curative to preventive care, ensuring that dental issues are diagnosed and treated early before they escalate into severe conditions.
Kenya faces a significant gap in oral healthcare coverage, with data indicating that only one in ten Kenyans has dental health insurance. Many individuals seek dental care only when faced with severe pain or complications. The Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026 highlights that by 2024, all adults in Kenya had at least one dental problem requiring medical attention, yet many remain untreated due to financial and accessibility barriers.
Globally, oral diseases are among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, particularly those of lower socioeconomic status, bear the greatest burden of these diseases.
The Ministry of Health’s efforts to expand SHA benefits to include comprehensive dental care represent a crucial step in addressing these challenges. By promoting local manufacturing, training community health workers, and increasing awareness, the government aims to make quality oral healthcare accessible to all Kenyans, improving overall public health outcomes.
