Noma Centre performs 457 free reconstructive surgeries on children
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Noma Centre in Abuja continues to provide life-changing, free reconstructive surgeries for children affected by noma, a severe gangrenous disease. To combat the condition on a national scale, the Federal Government has unveiled a N70bn strategic plan to integrate oral healthcare into primary services over the next five years.
Context & Background
- ✦Noma is a neglected tropical disease that destroys facial tissues rapidly, often leaving survivors with severe disfigurement and social stigma.
- ✦The disease is heavily tied to poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic healthcare, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery, psychological support, and economic empowerment for families.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Dr. Charles Ononiwu, National Coordinator of the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative, reports an average of 82 patients treated monthly.•Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, confirmed the N70bn budget for the 2026–2030 National Strategic Plan for Oral Health.
Outlook & Next Steps
The government aims to implement the 2026–2030 strategic plan to strengthen primary healthcare integration, while the Noma Centre continues its advocacy for early detection and community-based reporting through its toll-free line.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Noma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja, has successfully performed 457 free complex reconstructive surgeries on children suffering from noma since its inception.
- The Federal Government has launched a N70bn five-year National Strategic Plan for Oral Health (2026–2030) to improve access to care and combat diseases like noma.
- Noma is a rapidly progressing gangrenous disease that can cause severe facial destruction within a week, making early detection through antibiotics and improved nutrition critical.
Key Facts:December 2023: The World Health Organisation officially added noma to its list of neglected tropical diseases.July 2026: A study published in The Lancet Global Health estimated 50,782 cases of noma across 296 local government areas in Nigeria.2026: The Noma Centre performed 208 reconstructive surgeries within a single year.
Editorial Excerpt
The Noma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja, has performed 457 free complex reconstructive surgeries on children affected by the disease since its ince
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What are the primary risk factors for children developing noma?
The disease is primarily linked to poor oral hygiene, severe malnutrition, and weakened immunity, typically affecting children aged between two and six years.
How is the N70bn National Strategic Plan for Oral Health funded?
The funding is shared among three tiers: state and local governments contribute 49%, the Federal Government contributes 30%, and development partners provide the remaining 21%.
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