The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Medecins Sans Frontieres and 31 member states, proposes Noma’s inclusion as a Neglected Tropical Disease in the World Health Organization’s official listing.
The proposal, presented by Minister of Health Prof Ali Pate, occurred during the inauguration of the NOMA Centre in Abuja.
Noma, characterized by necrotising effects on the mouth and face, typically starts as a lesion in the gums. Addressing attendees during the annual awareness day event, Prof Ali Pate stressed the importance of global recognition in the fight against Noma.
He highlighted the urgency to detect and address this disease affecting children under the age of five.
Director of Hospital Service, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, representing Prof Ali Pate, emphasized the need for accelerated implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) III and achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Salaudeen underscored that Noma primarily affects vulnerable populations in poverty-stricken and remote areas, with risk factors including malnutrition, lack of healthcare access, and poor oral hygiene.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, solicited support from Nigerians for advocacy efforts addressing Noma’s risk factors. He highlighted the disease’s impact on children and its connection to hygiene practices.
WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi, commended Nigeria’s commitment to combating Noma. She acknowledged the leadership of Prof Ali Pate and Nigeria’s plea to include Noma in the Neglected Tropical Diseases list. Dr. Kazadi reiterated WHO’s commitment to assisting Nigeria in preventing and controlling Noma.
The anticipated inclusion of Noma in WHO’s Neglected Tropical Diseases list is seen as a significant step forward for the Global Noma Community.
It is expected to enhance awareness, research initiatives, strategic alliances, and a coordinated global response against this preventable disease.
