New Delhi, October 21, 2021 – The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia University, has launched Project CORE (Community-focused Oral Health Research for Equity) to tackle pressing oral health challenges in India. This initiative brings together a network of partners, including Jan Swasthya Sewa Sansthan, Queen Mary University of London, University College London, and various oral health specialists.
Project CORE aims to enhance oral health research capacity in India by fostering collaborations between local and international entities. Its primary objective is to diminish oral health disparities and promote better overall oral health through the development of scalable, evidence-based interventions that can be incorporated into public health policies.
The research initiative has received a significant grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research in the UK, aimed at improving health outcomes and reforming health systems to effectively address the burden of oral diseases.
Oral health issues are among the most prevalent global health concerns, contributing significantly to health complications and economic burdens that severely affect quality of life. The most common oral diseases include dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers.
The project was inaugurated by prominent figures including Prof. Mohammad Shakeel, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University; Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, PHFI’s distinguished professor of public health; Prof. Richard Watt, Chair of Dental Public Health at University College London; and other esteemed academics.
During the launch, Prof. Sanjay Zodpey, President of PHFI, emphasized the importance of Project CORE in addressing oral health inequities across India. “This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance population health outcomes. By partnering with local communities and international experts, we aim to reform oral health research, integrate community insights, and advocate for systemic changes,” he stated.
The project focuses on making oral health care more affordable and accessible to marginalized groups by influencing policy reforms that integrate oral health services into wider health systems. Pilot projects are being conducted in Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to analyze the patterns and mechanisms behind oral health inequalities and to develop public health interventions aimed at mitigating these disparities.
Prof. Richard Watt highlighted the global recognition of oral health as a priority, stating, “Oral health is at a critical juncture. The CORE program represents a new initiative addressing oral health inequalities in countries including India, Brazil, Kenya, and Colombia. A key aspect of this program is collaborating with local communities to co-develop effective solutions.”
Prof. Manu Raj Mathur, leading the project at PHFI, added, “Project CORE is not just about skill-building; it’s about transforming communities through innovative capacity development, ensuring equitable access to dental care, and fostering the next generation of oral health leaders.”
Prof. K. Srinath Reddy reiterated the fundamental role of oral health in overall well-being, stating, “Good oral health is vital throughout life. Conditions such as gum disease can lead to inflammation affecting multiple organs, including the heart and brain. While many oral diseases are preventable, access to affordable oral health services remains limited, particularly for vulnerable populations.”
The initiative aims to map unmet community needs for oral health services, highlighting the equity gaps that persist and advocating for the inclusion of essential oral health care in national universal health coverage programs.
Currently, India faces a substantial burden of oral diseases, with over 70% of the population affected. These challenges are particularly pronounced in disadvantaged communities, severely affecting quality of life and placing an additional strain on the healthcare system. Dental caries are notably prevalent, with one-third of the population requiring treatment. Furthermore, oral cancer accounts for over 30% of all cancer cases in the country, with incidence rates reaching as high as 20 per 100,000 individuals. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases continue to be neglected, leading to increased healthcare costs and declining public health outcomes.
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