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November 21, (THEWILL) – The Sokoto State Government has called for the upgrade of its Noma Children Hospital to an international research center as part of efforts to combat the spread of Noma, a neglected tropical disease recognized by the World Health Organization.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor, Dr. Namadina Ibrahim, made the call during this year’s Noma Disease commemoration in Sokoto.
The event, organized by Médecins Sans Frontières Sokoto Office in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, was themed ‘Early Detection of Noma Disease is Key.’
Representing the State Governor, Ibrahim expressed the state’s commitment to supporting the necessary upgrades for the hospital, which currently serves neighbouring countries like Niger, Mali, and Ghana.
“With the current performance of Noma Hospital in the state, it is clear that the government has given priority to this facility.
“We are now advocating for its upgrade to an international center of excellence for training, knowledge-sharing, and research on Noma prevention and treatment,” Dr. Ibrahim said.
He emphasised that the hospital already meets the criteria for this elevation, as it is a hub for international training and research on Noma.
MSF’s Project Medical Referent, Mr. Samuel Joseph, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of early prevention and treatment of Noma, particularly in rural communities.
He identified malnutrition, lack of vaccination, measles complications, insecurity, poverty, and poor healthcare access as key factors contributing to the spread of the disease.
“Noma, a devastating oral disease, affects thousands, particularly in impoverished communities. It leaves long-lasting scars and a prolonged recovery period for survivors,” he said.
For over a decade, MSF has focused on both surgical intervention and prevention efforts, collaborating with community leaders, traditional healers, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness and curb the disease’s spread.
Joseph also advocated for improved immunization to prevent measles and related complications and called for better nutrition and food security in remote communities.
He stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, noting that preventing Noma is more cost-effective than surgical intervention.
MSF is also working with the Sokoto State Government, healthcare providers, and organizations to strengthen primary healthcare systems, improve access to treatment, and promote prevention.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Bodinga, Bello Abdulra’uf, commended the MSF for its unwavering efforts in fighting Noma in the state.
Other speakers included Dr. Abubakar Bell, who discussed the risk factors for Noma, particularly malnutrition and immunization, and Dr. Peter Ajanson, who provided an update on the Noma Technical Working Group’s activities.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
