Noma: National hospital performs 457 free surgeries

The Noma Centre at the National Hospital in Abuja has carried out 457 reconstructive surgeries on children suffering from noma since its inception, all at no cost to the patients. Dr Charles Ononiwu, the National Coordinator of the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative, revealed this during the 2026 Oral Health Week, Noma Day, and Scientific Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

The center has treated 321 patients and currently has over 80 children receiving care, with 208 surgeries conducted in 2026 alone. Ononiwu explained that the facility typically attends to 82 patients each month, emphasizing that their interventions have helped many children who would otherwise struggle to afford expensive reconstructive procedures.

He warned that noma, a rapidly advancing disease that destroys facial tissues, can cause significant damage within a week if not treated promptly. Ononiwu attributed the disease's prevalence to poor oral hygiene, severe malnutrition, and weakened immunity, noting that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent extensive tissue destruction.

Treatment at the early stage might involve antibiotics and adequate feeding, while advanced cases may require reconstructive surgery costing between N7 million and N10 million. The center provides comprehensive care through a multidisciplinary team including plastic surgeons, ear, nose, and throat specialists, pediatricians, clinical psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.

They also offer educational support, psychological assistance, and vocational training to affected children and their parents throughout treatment, which can span several months. The center has provided care to patients from other African countries as well, including Mozambique and Burundi. The Federal Government has launched a N70bn five-year National Strategic Plan for Oral Health (2026–2030) to improve access to oral healthcare, strengthen preventive services, and tackle diseases like noma.

The plan aims to integrate oral healthcare into primary healthcare services, enhance early diagnosis, and expand treatment access, especially for vulnerable populations.