Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for stronger community-based prevention, early detection and treatment of noma in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to integrate comprehensive noma care into the country’s primary healthcare system.
The call was made during the commemoration of Oral Health Week, World Noma Day and the 2026 Scientific Conference, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative (NANI) and other stakeholders.
Read also: Nigeria Reviews Health Sector Progress, Targets Better Care
The event was held under the theme, “Integrating Noma into Primary Healthcare: From Comprehensive Management to Prevention.”
In his goodwill message, MSF Country Representative, Dr Ahmed Aldikhari, congratulated the Federal Ministry of Health on the launch of the National Strategic Plan on Oral Health.
He disclosed that collaborative efforts by MSF and other partners over the past decade had facilitated more than 1,759 major reconstructive surgeries for 1,174 patients through 35 surgical missions.
Dr Aldikhari added that in 2026 alone, 114 surgeries were performed on 96 patients, highlighting the continued efforts to restore the health and dignity of people affected by the disease.
He said capacity building remained central to the partnership, noting that 28 Nigerian surgeons and 14 anaesthetists had received training from international specialists to strengthen the country’s long-term capacity to provide quality noma care.
Also speaking, MSF Medical Coordinator, Dr Bukola Oluyide, presented an update on progress in noma treatment and advocacy.
Read also: Just In: Kano Records 17,000 Childhood Pneumonia Cases
She explained that MSF’s response covered prevention, early detection, acute treatment, nutritional support, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.
The second day of the conference featured scientific sessions, a symposium and panel discussions focusing on the history of noma, the International Noma Network and strategies for integrating noma care into primary healthcare.
Experts and stakeholders also shared experiences and perspectives on the importance of prevention, early detection and access to quality treatment.
Noma is a severe, non-contagious disease that begins with inflammation of the gums and can rapidly destroy facial tissues and bones.
Although preventable and treatable when detected early, the disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly children under seven living in poverty, with malnutrition and limited access to healthcare.
MSF called on stakeholders to strengthen community-level prevention and early detection, improve primary healthcare services and disease surveillance, and guarantee comprehensive and continuous care for people affected by noma.
Read also: Kano Court Orders Burning of 400 Bags of Spoilt Wheat Flour
The organisation also stressed the need for sustained national ownership, effective coordination and adequate financing to improve prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.
It said stronger collaboration among government, healthcare professionals and development partners was essential to saving lives from the preventable and treatable disease.