By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
The Médecins Sans Frontières in Nigeria has acknowledged the dedication of stakeholders in the continues fight against noma disease in the country
Country Representative in Nigeria and MSF Nigeria-Intersectional Country Office, Dr. Ahmed Aldikhari, made the remarks in a goodwill Monday in Abuja at commemoration of the 2026 Oral Health Week, Noma Day and Scientific conference.
He challenged stakeholders on a renewed shared commitment that no child should suffer or die from a disease that is preventable and treatable.
According to him, since 2014, MSF has worked to provide comprehensive care from inpatient treatment for acute noma and major facial reconstructive surgery to oral physiotherapy, health promotion, community engagement, nutritional support, and mental health and psychosocial services.
Dr. Aldikhari over the past decade, joint efforts have enabled more than 1,759 major reconstructive surgeries for 1,174 patients for noma through 35 surgical missions.
In 2026 alone, 114 surgeries were performed for 96 patients while capacity building has remained central to this partnership.
The Country Representative said to date, 28 Nigerian surgeons and 14 anaesthetists have been trained by international specialists, strengthening Nigeria’s long-term capacity to provide quality care for people affected by noma.
He said MSF commends the Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health, partners and all stakeholders, including Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative, (NANI), for the progress made in strengthening the national response to noma.
