A collaboration between Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Sokoto State Ministry of Health has resulted in 1,074 indigent patients receiving free reconstructive surgeries from 2014 to 2025, transforming the lives of survivors of Noma across the region.
At the 9th Noma Day commemoration held on Thursday in Sokoto, MSF Head of Mission Operations and Protection Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Alick, spoke on the significance of the theme: “Ending Noma through Strengthening Intersectoral and Global Cooperation.”
Noma, he explained, is a severe bacterial infection that begins as gum inflammation and rapidly spreads into the facial tissues, often destroying muscle and bone within days. Survivors are frequently left with profound facial disfigurement in as little as two weeks.
Alick said the MSF-supported facility has provided care to about 1,600 patients over the years, including major reconstructive surgeries, physiotherapy, mental health care and psychosocial support.
He noted that most Noma cases in Nigeria occur in the northern states, though cases have also been recorded in other regions.
According to him, malnourished children and those living in remote communities with weak health systems, poor vaccination coverage, and inadequate access to treatment for conditions like measles and malaria remain the most vulnerable.
“Children who survive Noma either endure lifelong effects or go through extensive reconstructive procedures to improve their quality of life,” he said.
Alick called for stronger awareness campaigns, improved surveillance systems, enhanced research to guide policy, and better immunisation and nutrition services.
He stressed that despite being preventable, Noma continues to claim lives due to poverty, lack of awareness and delayed access to healthcare.
He added that stigma remains high and called for more commitment to fully implementing the national Noma plan and ensuring adequate funding for prevention and treatment.
The Medical Team Lead, Mr. Menesbo Gormey, described MSF’s interventions across multiple levels of care and emphasised the need for communities to be more involved in identifying cases early.
He maintained that Noma can be prevented through proper nutrition and complete immunisation, urging parents to utilise available nutritional supplements for young children.
Gormey also underscored the importance of incorporating Noma awareness into community health campaigns. He explained that efforts were underway to integrate Noma-related activities into Nigeria’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) programme, following the World Health Organisation’s decision to classify Noma as an NTD.
The integration will include active case finding, psychosocial support, peer support groups, livelihood initiatives, and anti-stigma campaigns.
Chief Medical Director of the Noma Hospital, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi, outlined the symptoms of Noma, the importance of early treatment and the need for specialised post-recovery support.
He said revised national policies on oral health and Noma have strengthened the Dentistry Division’s role in preventing and managing cases.
Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Mr. Faruk Wurno, represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmad, praised MSF and other partners for their sustained support, assuring that the state government would deepen collaboration to improve outcomes for Noma patients.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Shuni, Alhaji Jabbi Harande, reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to Noma prevention efforts.
Two survivors, Muhammad Usman and Dahiru Sa’idu, expressed gratitude to MSF and the state government, recounting how the interventions helped restore their confidence, dignity and ability to reintegrate into society.
Their testimonies served as a reminder of the life-changing impact of early intervention, community support and sustained healthcare partnerships.