The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for more public awareness to prevent Noma disease in the country.
The MSF Project Medical Referent, Samuel Joseph made the appeal during the commemoration of this year’s NOMA Disease held in Sokoto.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health with the theme- ‘Early Dictation of Noma Disease is the Key.’
Samuel noted that since the noma is preventable, MSF is redirecting its efforts from surgical operations to public awareness on the prevention and early treatment of the disease.
While giving an overview, Mr. Samuel recalled that since February 2014, MSF in agreement with Sokoto State Ministry of Health started to support the Noma Children’s Hospital, by organizing Noma surgical interventions.
“Above 1,467 major surgeries have been performed in 30 surgical interventions since 2015 by a team of MSF International and National surgeons at the Ministry of Health.
“MSF provides highly specialized and free reconstructive surgeries for Noma patients with post-Noma defects every four months, with a target of 40 patients per surgical intervention.
“Our component of care includes provision of quality 24-hour nutrition care, mental health psychosocial support, health promotion, community engagement and 24-hour pre and post surgical operative Impatient services that include physiotherapy care.”
He however identified malnutrition, lack of vaccination, measles complications, natural disasters, insecurity, poverty and poor healthcare access as factors contributing to Noma’s spreading among rural dwellers.
He also called for an improved immunization exercise to prevent measles and related complications as well as addressing food insecurity and promoting proper nutrition in hard-to-reach communities.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar who was represented by District Head of Bodinga, Alhaji Bello Abdulra’uf commended the MSF for their unrelenting efforts in fighting Noma disease in the state.
Other speakers include, Dr. Abubakar Bell who spoke on Risk factors for Noma with emphasis on malnutrition and immunization, and Dr. Peter Ajanson who gave update on the activities of Noma Technical Working Group (TWG)
The Special Adviser to the State Governor, Dr. Namadina Ibrahim also applauded the organization for their unrelenting efforts to fight Noma disease in the state.
