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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for the integration of noma prevention and treatment into Nigeria’s primary healthcare services to improve early detection and access to care.
Noma, also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis, is a rapidly progressing, severe, non-contagious disease that destroys the soft tissues and bones of the mouth and face.
The MSF Nursing Activity Manager at the Noma Hospital in Sokoto, Samuel Ajamah, made the call in a statement during the final phase of the Sokoto State Ministry of Health’s 2026 surgical intervention programme at the hospital.
Ajamah said that MSF teams performed 1,645 reconstructive surgeries on 1,078 patients between 2014 and 2025.
He said in 2025 alone, 1,034 patients received medical treatment and support, including surgery, nutrition, physiotherapy and psychosocial care.
He said an earlier surgical intervention in 2026 delivered 55 reconstructive procedures.
Ajamah said that low awareness among communities and frontline healthcare workers as a major challenge.
He noted that patients often visit multiple health facilities before receiving an accurate diagnosis, thereby missing critical opportunities for early treatment.
He called for the integration of noma prevention and treatment into primary healthcare services, alongside improved training and awareness among frontline healthcare workers, to promote early diagnosis and ensure timely access to care.
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