Oral diseases contribute significantly to the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden, with untreated dental caries (tooth decay) affecting approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide. Additionally, oral cancer ranks among the ten most common cancers, and periodontal disease (gum disease) affects up to 50% of the global population.
Poor oral health can negatively impact an individual's self-esteem and quality of life, as toothaches, mouth sores, bad breath, and other oral issues often cause discomfort and embarrassment. Moreover, oral health is closely linked to general health, with poor oral health being both a result and cause of poor overall health.
The Member of Parliament is warning that patients suffering from chronic conditions continue to face potentially life-threatening interruptions to their treatment because of unreliable access to medicines.Amid the shortages, many Batswana have been left with no choice but to look for other treatment alternatives such as herbs, with many not having had been scientifically tested for effectiveness.Medications for hypertension, diabetes, heart...