World Noma Day: Sokoto State Reiterates Commitments to Address Diseases

The Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitments to address malnutrition as a major factor responsible for Noma and other diseases.

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Governor Ahmed Aliyu stated this at the commemoration of 2023 World Noma Day organised by NOMA Hospital in collaboration with Medicins Sans Frontieres in Sokoto State.

Governor Aliyu who was represented by his Deputy, Idris Muhammad Gobir, said this was the highest percentage ever allocated to the sector in the state.

“This can clearly been seen from the allocation of fifteen percent for the sub-sector in this year’s Budget by the current administration.

“Health sector gulp over N31,015 billion for procurement of medical equipment, completion of some projects as well as other needs,” he added.

He noted that Government is fully aware that Sokoto is among the states with high cases of malnutrition, but assured that the story would soon change under the current administration.

He applauded the Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Border) and other development partners for their continued support and interventions towards sustainable health development in the state.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator of Medicins Sans Frontieres in Nigeria, Mr John Canty said

“Noma is infectious disease not a contagious one and patients can die within few weeks if not given attention at the right time.”

Mr. Canty highlighted that malnutrition, poor oral hygiene and lack of proper awareness are the major causes of the disease.

He called on all relevant stakeholders to join hand with medicins Sans Frontieres and northern states ministries of health to overcome the challenges of Noma disease.

Also, the Project Manager of Medicins Sans Frontieres, Mr Samuel Joseph, said Noma day is celebrated every year to sensitise health personnel, community and religious leaders as well as general public on Noma disease.

Mr Joseph also noted that the day provide an avenue for them to review achievements recorded and challenges in the year and plan ahead.

He highlighted that, medicins Sans Frontieres targeted about 230 major and minor surgeries this year, but 243 were conducted between January to October, 2023.

He also added that, “More than one thousand mental health consultations were made as well as 1782 cases of malnutrition were also treated.”

He lamented that despite the best efforts of their organisation and other partners, the number of acute noma disease cases are of the increase.

The Project Manager called on more actors collaboration including the states ministries of health to end the menace in the country.