Noma: No child should die from preventable disease – MSF charges govt, stakeholders to improve response
National Health Officials Push for Coordinated Efforts to Combat Noma
In a recent address, officials emphasized the necessity for national commitments to be translated into coordinated actions at the federal, state, local government, and community levels in the fight against noma, a severe oral disease that predominantly affects malnourished children.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the longstanding partnership between Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, at the Noma Children’s Hospital. Since 2014, MSF has provided comprehensive treatment for individuals affected by noma, encompassing a range of interventions such as inpatient care, major facial reconstructive surgeries, oral physiotherapy, nutritional support, community engagement, health promotion, and mental health services.
The collaboration has successfully facilitated over 1,759 major reconstructive surgeries for 1,174 patients across 35 surgical missions in the past decade. In 2026 alone, MSF performed 114 surgeries for 96 patients. Furthermore, the organization has trained 28 Nigerian surgeons and 14 anesthetists with the help of international specialists, enhancing the country’s capacity to deliver quality care to noma patients.
Despite these advancements, Aldikhari emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that noma can progress rapidly, leading to severe tissue damage, facial disfigurement, and potentially death if not promptly identified and treated.
In alignment with these efforts, the Federal Government has launched a six-year strategic plan aimed at eliminating noma and improving access to quality oral healthcare. The National Oral Health Strategic Plan (2026–2031), introduced by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, seeks to integrate oral healthcare into primary health services, improve access for vulnerable populations, and address the increasing burden of oral diseases.
During the commemoration of the 2026 Oral Health Week, National Noma Day, and a scientific conference in Abuja, Salako described the initiative as a critical shift from traditional curative dentistry to a prevention-oriented approach. The framework was developed through extensive discussions with the Nigerian Dental Association and other stakeholders, emphasizing health promotion, early detection, and broader access to oral healthcare.
Salako noted that noma, which begins as a simple gum infection, can lead to devastating complications if not detected and treated promptly. The Senate Committee on Health has also expressed its commitment to the cause, pledging legislative and financial support for a nationwide campaign against noma.
Chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, the committee affirmed that noma is entirely preventable and treatable with early detection. It has committed to enhancing primary healthcare services to ensure that oral health is integrated into routine healthcare delivery. Additionally, the committee announced an increase in funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to strengthen frontline health services and community-level interventions, identifying the Noma Children’s Hospital in Sokoto and the Intercountry Centre in Jos as key elements in the national response.
