The Federal Government, on Wednesday, commissioned the NOMA new treatment centre in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to address disease that is affecting young children’s tissues across the country.

The commissioning was organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative (NANI), and other partners.

Speaking at the commissioning in Abuja, to mark the 2023 National Noma day, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said that there is need for urgent action to be taken in the quest for accelerated implementation of the SDG III and ensuring the realization of Universal Health Coverage.

The minister noted that the initiative was supported by numerous nations, which aimed to secure global recognition for the battle against Noma.

The minister who was represented by Director Hospital Service, Dr. Jimoh Olawole Salaudeen, the Minister emphasized the urgency of addressing Noma (cancrum oris).

Pate said: “Noma is known to affect vulnerable populations living in poverty and in remote areas of the country which do not have the necessary amenities of life and are plagued with conditions that lowers the victims immunity leading to severe morbidity and mortality in these populations.

“Most cases of Noma occur in children between ages two and five years. Other risk factors include chronic or acute malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, Noma is associated with a 90% mortality rate within weeks. Noma survivors are confronted with societal stigmatization, discrimination and social isolation.”

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, called on Nigerians to support the agency on the enlightenment advocacy to address the risk factors of Noma disease.

Issa-Onilu, who was presented by the Director, Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Mrs.Theresa Maduekwe, said: “Noma disease is a disease that destroys the face, soft tissues of the mouth, and the face actually affects mostly the children that malnutrie.

“Also it is also a problem of hygiene as long as we don’t clean the mouth in the morning after eating all sorts of things, including taking soda we drink and food we eat.”

In her remarks, the World Health Organization Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi, commended Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to combating Noma. She acknowledged the Minister’s leadership and Nigeria’s plea to include Noma in the Neglected Tropical Diseases list.

Dr. Kazadi, who was presented by Dr Mary Dewan, said: “Noma affects the poor and the most vulnerable and this most affected population delay in presentation and when they present to the health facilities, cannot afford treatment. A huge number then presents with stage 3 or 4 diseases requiring resuscitation, several surgeries, and rehabilitation.”

WHO, reiterated its commitment to assisting Nigeria in preventing and controlling Noma, emphasizing ongoing efforts to include Noma in the Neglected Tropical Diseases list for increased global attention.

On his part, the Chief Medical Director Prof. Muhammad Raji, expressed confidence that he will ensure that the team running the Centre will uphold the highest standards of care and treatment.

He said: “We look forward to this centre being a model for the country and indeed, the continent. We envision this centre not just as a place for treatment, but also for research and education to prevent and eventually eradicate Noma disease from our nation.

“Let me assure you that the national Hospital, Abuja, is fully committed to this partnership. We will work tirelessly to ensure we achieve our shared objective, which is to provide a safe haven for children afflicted with Noma, offering them a chance at a healthier and happier future.”