Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative (NANI), yesterday, November 22, 2023 unveiled a new treatment centre for life-threatening disease noma, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Noma Centre, Abuja, as the centre will be known, is being opened on Noma Day, commemorated each year to raise awareness and to prevent the disease.
The Nigerian government has committed to eliminate the disease from the country by 2030. Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative, a Nigerian non-governmental organisation with support from German Hilfsaktion Noma eV; is working with the Ministry of Health to construct the 80-bed treatment centre within the grounds of the National Hospital in Abuja. Funding for the centre comes from small donations from people in Germany and Austria.
Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative in astatement disclosed that the grand opening of the Noma Centre Abuja marks a significant step in NANI’s commitment to supporting the government to eliminate noma disease in Nigeria.
“The devastating disease that primarily affects the mouth and face affects children between the ages of two and six years, living in poor households. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease is fatal in about 90 per cent of cases, if not detected early and the progression can be limited through access to a nutritious diet and basic sanitation and hygiene.”
“Our ‘whole-of-society’approach to improving population health means quality care for every condition affecting Nigerians. Noma disease remains a burden in low- and middle-income countries, especially those along the ‘Noma belt,’ including Nigeria. The Renewed Hope agenda is also about restoring the dignity of people. Not only are you treating, but you are restoring the dignity of thepatient,” says Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
“NANI has been at the forefront of efforts to combat this neglected tropical disease, and establishing this treatment centre is a testament to the dedication to improving the lives of those affected.
“Located centrally for ease of access in Abuja, the purpose-built treatment centre is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to perform reconstructive surgeries and provide a comprehensive and specialised environment for the rehabilitation of noma patients. The services will be provided to patients free of charge.
“The needs of the children were central in the construction of the centre, with open spaces to enable the children to rest and recover and playgrounds so that they feel at home. They will be able to stay at the centre for the duration of their treatment, which can take months.”
“The dignity of every child mattersto us, so we expect to create an environment where the children will not onlybe treated through highly skilled reconstructive surgeries, but also where they can have a loving and caring environment in which every member of staff will beinvolved in their recovery and rehabilitation journey,” NANI’s national coordinator, who heads the new centre, Dr. Charles Ononiwu, said.
“Noma Centre Abuja will be staffed by a team of highly trained surgeons and healthcare professionals who are committed to delivering the highest standard of care. The centre will alsooffer various services to support patients in their recovery journey, including physiotherapy and counselling.
“NANI will conduct community outreach programmes to raise awareness about noma disease, promote early detection, andprovide education on preventive measures.”
The Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Prof Muhammad Raji Mahmud, said, “Noma Centre Abuja is a good initiative that should be supported by all, that is why the national hospital and the federal ministry of health provided land because it will be avery big relief by the time this is done for all those suffering from noma.’’