By Comfort Olayinka
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling oral health issues, including the deadly and preventable disease, Noma, during the 2024 National Oral Health/Noma Day celebration held at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, highlighted the government’s strategy of addressing oral diseases through an integrated primary healthcare approach. Represented by Dr. Saludeen Jimoh, Director of the Hospital Services Department in the Ministry, Dr. Salako emphasized the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment of Noma, a condition that primarily affects malnourished children between the ages of 2 and 6.
“Noma can destroy the soft and hard tissues of the face, often leaving severe cosmetic deformities and even leading to death if left untreated,” Dr. Salako stated, stressing the need for a concerted effort to eradicate the disease.
He noted that Nigeria has been an active participant in global efforts to fight Noma, partnering with organizations like the World Bank and the WHO to raise awareness and improve care. Since joining the program in 2016, Nigeria has established treatment centers in Abuja and Sokoto to provide care and support.
As part of ongoing efforts to address oral health issues, Dr. Salako emphasized the role of the Technical Working Group (TWG), which has successfully advocated for the inclusion of Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the WHO.
This milestone has brought increased attention and resources from international health bodies, NGOs, and philanthropists to combat the disease.
The Honourable Minister also underlined the importance of strengthening the healthcare workforce, particularly at the grassroots level, to deliver essential oral health care services.
He pointed to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to universal health coverage as key drivers in the fight against Noma and other oral health challenges.
During the event, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Azeez Aderemi, Director of Specialty Hospital Division, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of Noma through public health education, nutritional programs, and food security initiatives.
The event featured presentations from global health organizations, including WHO and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and a playlet by student nurses to raise awareness about the impact of Noma. The theme for this year’s National Oral Health/Noma Day was “Listing Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease: What Next?” marking a significant step forward in the global fight against this devastating disease.
