Oral Health Care and Humanitarian Health Praxis

Sammanfattning: Background: Oral and dental diseases is a major part of the global disease burden. Poor oral health has a significant impact on the general well-being of people. In contrast with prior decades high rates of oral diseases may be found in low- and middle income countries. Populations that are particularly vulnerable are more likely to develop poor oral health. As a consequence of human distress related to war, poverty and natural disasters the accomplishments of humanitarian aid organizations has a direct impact on people´s health and well-being. Purpose: The aim of the present study is to examine the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as well as Doctors without borders concerning documents and guidelines on oral health. A further aim is to explore the knowledge of oral health related topics of delegates from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Method: The study is designed as a literature review and a questionnaire survey. Results: Within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Doctors Without Borders there are a limited number of guidelines on oral health and they are rarely mentioned in the same documents as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The responses of the study revealed that the participants generally have a limited knowledge about measures on oral health in the IFRC. Conclusion: Both the literature review and the questionnaire survey study confirms that there is an absence of clear and specific guidelines on oral health care related activities within IFRC.