FG, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TARGET ₦70BN TO TACKLE NOMA, IMPROVE ORAL HEALTHCARE
The Federal Government and the National Assembly are seeking to mobilise about ₦70 billion over five years to eliminate noma disease and improve access to oral healthcare across Nigeria.
The funding target is part of the National Oral Health Strategic Plan (2026–2030), unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.
Speaking at the 2026 Oral Health Week, National Noma Day and Scientific Conference in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, called on state governments and development partners to support the mobilisation of the funds.
Salako explained that the strategic plan would integrate oral healthcare into primary healthcare services, improve access for vulnerable communities and strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers to identify and refer suspected noma cases.
Noma is a severe and rapidly progressing disease that destroys tissues of the mouth and face. It mainly affects malnourished children living in extreme poverty and can cause permanent facial disfigurement or death if not detected and treated early.
The minister said the government was intensifying grassroots interventions through the training of community health workers, volunteers and traditional birth attendants to recognise early symptoms and ensure timely referrals.
He also highlighted the role of specialised treatment centres, including the Noma Children’s Hospital in Sokoto and the national treatment facility in Abuja, where affected children receive treatment, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.
The Senate Committee on Health pledged legislative and financial support for the initiative, stressing that noma is preventable and treatable when detected early.
The committee also called for stronger primary healthcare services, routine oral health screening and improved training for healthcare professionals.
It identified sustained funding, community awareness and collaboration among federal and state governments as essential to eliminating the disease.
The strategic plan is expected to strengthen oral healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring that more Nigerians have access to preventive and essential dental services.
