Noma disease outbreak in northern Nigeria

Noma, a rapidly progressing and often fatal infection of the mouth and face, is causing significant devastation among children in northern Nigeria. The disease, which primarily affects children aged 2 to 6, is closely linked to malnutrition, poor hygiene, and limited access to clean water. Data from the Noma Children’s Hospital in Sokoto estimated 50,782 new cases occurred between 1999 and 2024 across 12 northern states.

Medical experts note that while the disease can be halted with antibiotics, wound care, and nutritional support, it remains a neglected tropical disease with insufficient global funding. The crisis in northern Nigeria is further exacerbated by economic hardship, fragile healthcare services, and population displacement due to armed violence.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has urged the Nigerian government to integrate the prevention, early detection, and treatment of noma into primary healthcare services. MSF officials highlighted that between 70 and 90 per cent of untreated victims die and advocated for stronger awareness campaigns, improved training for frontline healthcare workers, and more effective referral systems to ensure timely medical intervention.