The Cyprus Declaration on Oral Health in Europe: WONCA Europe and EURIPA participation

The official launch of The Cyprus Declaration on Oral Health in Europe took place in Athens, Greece, on 12 May 2026, bringing together European organisations from oral health, public health, primary care, academia, and civil society. The event was organized by the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future.  The Declaration promotes the principle that there is no health without oral health and highlights oral health as a human right, not a privilege. It calls for stronger prevention, greater equity, and the integration of oral health into primary care, universal health coverage, and non-communicable disease strategies.

The event included the morning scientific session “There Is No Health Without Oral Health: A Step Further”, followed by the official signing of the Declaration and photos. Speakers were invited to contribute their organisation’s perspective on the Declaration, why it is needed, and how their organisation could support implementation and next steps.

WONCA Europe, representing family doctors and general practitioners across Europe, and EURIPA — The European Rural and Isolated Practitioners Association, contributed to the event through the participation of Dr Ferdinando Petrazzuoli. His presence highlighted the essential role of family medicine and rural primary care in improving oral health, especially for underserved, remote, and isolated communities where access to preventive and dental services may be limited.

On behalf of WONCA Europe and EURIPA, Dr Petrazzuoli signed the Cyprus Declaration during the official signing session. The event information confirms that all speakers were invited to sign the Declaration at the end of the morning session, with the signing statement celebrating the start of its implementation to improve oral health throughout Europe.

The participation and signature on behalf of WONCA Europe and EURIPA represent an important contribution from European family medicine to this collaborative movement. They underline the shared commitment to integrating oral health into everyday primary care, strengthening prevention, reducing inequalities, and ensuring that rural and isolated populations are included in future European oral health actions.