NIGERIA stands out as one of the endemic countries for Noma in Africa, with about every 3 in 100 children in Nigeria having this fatal disease that is non-significantly higher in northern than southern Nigeria, a study has said.
Experts, in the first meta-analysis to evaluate the cumulative and overall prevalence of Noma in children in Nigeria, reported that malnutrition, measles, and malaria were major associated risk factors for noma, a highly fatal infection that spreads to the muscles of the face and ultimately causes facial disfigurement due
to the destruction of the cheek, nose, lips, and/or eyelid.
The study, published in the BMC Oral Health, looked at 12 studies done between 1970 and 2023 with 871 cases of Noma and indicated Noma’s prevalence of 2.95% and males slightly more affected than females.
According to them, out of every 100 children with Noma, about 88 were malnourished, 40 had measles and about 31 had malaria while the prevalence of Noma was non-significantly lower in southern Nigeria than in northern Nigeria.
The Study revealed:”Firstly, the prevalence of Noma in Nigerian children raises a concern, particularly considering the possibility of its elimination.
“Secondly, the higher prevalence of Noma in Northern Nigeria appears to correlate with higher poverty levels in the region, inadequate access to medical care, severe malnutrition, compromised access to safe drinking water, substandard sanitation practices, and suboptimal vaccination coverage, especially poor vaccination against measles, which is a risk factor for Noma.
“Thirdly, there is evidence of a rise in Noma prevalence, possibly linked to economic downturns exacerbating child malnutrition in Nigeria.
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“These findings emphasize a critical need to address Noma as a neglected tropical disease, demanding investment for its eradication. A particular emphasis should be placed on Northern Nigeria to advance the goal of eliminating Noma.
“However, developing a comprehensive agenda for Noma elimination necessitates a multifaceted approach that effectively targets recognized risk factors like malnutrition, measles, and malaria.
“This review brings attention to the fact that Noma is not an uncommon occurrence in Nigeria, yet it continues to be overlooked by the government and health authorities despite its preventable nature.