The Federal Government has unveiled a ₦70 billion five-year National Strategic Plan for Oral Health, covering 2026 to 2030 at an event to mark World Noma Day.
The plan aims at strengthening oral healthcare delivery, improving early detection and treatment of oral diseases, and preventing avoidable deaths and permanent facial disfigurement, particularly among children affected by noma.
The Minister of State for Health Dr. Adekunle Salako says the five-year plan would be funded through contributions from different levels of government and development partners, with State and Local Governments providing 49 per cent, the Federal Government 30 per cent, and development partners contributing the remaining 21 per cent.
Stakeholders at the event including the National Coordinator of the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative, Dr Charles Ononiwu, highlights some of Nigeria’s achievements explaining that the Noma Centre at the National Hospital Abuja has performed 457 complex reconstructive surgeries on children affected by the disease since its establishment, free of charge.
He revealed that 208 of the surgeries were performed in 2026 alone, while more than 80 children are currently receiving treatment at the centre.
The conference called for increased public awareness, improved child nutrition, early medical intervention and an end to the discrimination and stigma faced by noma survivors stressing that improved access to healthcare, proper nutrition and prompt treatment are essential to preventing the disease and reducing its devastating impact on vulnerable children.
The World Health Organisation is also advocating the integration of noma prevention, early detection, and referral services into primary healthcare delivery to ensure that affected children receive timely medical attention.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
