The federal government has announced that measures are in place to integrate Noma activities into the existing structures of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

This development follows the World Health Organisation’s listing of Noma among the NTDs.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2024 National Oral Health/Noma Day.

Mr Salako said the integration would focus on active case search, psychosocial support, peer group support programme, livelihood support, and anti-stigma campaign.

“To combat the disease, the ministry is working with stakeholders to strengthen workforce capabilities at the grassroots level. This includes training healthcare workers, traditional healers, and community mobilisation officers to ensure early detection, treatment, and referral of oral diseases and Noma cases,” said the minister.

Mr Salako noted that the revised National Oral Health Policy and Noma Policy and the Strategic Plan, launched on July 3, have positioned the Dentistry Division to lead in managing and preventing oral health diseases. 

Mr Salako emphasised the importance of prioritising oral health, as compromised oral health could affect general health, including vital functions like chewing, swallowing, speaking, and sleeping.

The country representative of Médecins Sans Frontières in Nigeria, Simba Tirima, commended Nigeria’s global leadership in launching the Noma Centre in Abuja.

He noted that WHO’s recognition of Noma had elevated global awareness and paved the way for increased funding, research, and comprehensive strategies.

Mr Tirima emphasised the need for Nigeria to integrate Noma surveillance into its health systems.

He said it would address underlying drivers such as poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate access to healthcare and strengthen collaboration between local communities, health professionals, policymakers, and international organisations to create sustainable solutions.

(NAN)