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MSF joins noma survivors in celebrating inclusion in WHO neglected tropical diseases list
MSF joins noma survivors in celebrating inclusion in WHO neglected tropical diseases list
By: Michael Mike
Three years into its campaign to have noma recognised as a see tropical disease (NTD), international medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) welcomes the decision by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), to include noma in the WHO’s official list of NTDs.
Following a meeting in Geneva on 12 October 2023, the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTD) concluded that noma fits all the criteria for inclusion on the WHO’s official list. The group shared this recommendation with the WHO director-general, who has now ratified it.
“We welcome the WHO director-general’s decision, which confirms what MSF and the medical community have insisted on for years: that noma is a neglected tropical disease and deserves all the attention and resources that this implies,” says Mark Sherlock, MSF health programmes manager. “We hope that this decision will shine a spotlight on the disease, facilitating the integration of noma prevention and treatment activities into existing public health programmes, and encouraging the allocation of much-needed resources to help tackle the disease.”
Noma is a completely preventable disease and is easy to treat if addressed in time. Untreated, it destroys the skin and bones of the face in just a few weeks, leading to death for around 90 per cent of those infected. The 10 per cent who survive face a future of pain, disfigurement, and social stigma. The disease most commonly affects children who are malnourished or whose immune systems are otherwise compromised.
The lead sponsor country for the request to have noma recognised as an NTD is Nigeria. In January 2023, the Nigerian Ministry of Health submitted a package to the WHO which included an official request letter, letters of endorsement from 31 countries, and a dossier of evidence demonstrating that noma fits the criteria for inclusion. MSF supported Nigeria in providing the medical evidence, based on years of research, and drawing on MSF’s experience treating survivors of noma, in the hope that NTD listing will bring increased attention, earlier diagnosis and stronger research.
MSF has supported the Nigerian Ministry of Health’s Sokoto noma hospital, in northwest Nigeria, since 2014, where its teams provide reconstructive surgery, nutritional support, mental health support and outreach activities. Since 2014, MSF’s surgical teams in Sokoto have carried out 1,203 surgeries on 837 patients.
“Inclusion in the WHO’s list of NTDs is an important step, but not the final one,” says Sherlock. “We plan to shift towards mobilising resources and strategic alliances within the global health community to facilitate programming and research to raise awareness of noma, reduce mortality and improve the patients and survivors’ life conditions.”
MSF plans to focus on research, expanding its collaboration with academic institutes around the world to discover more about the causes of noma. Another key step will be to integrate noma surveillance systems into MSF’s medical work. “In endemic countries, MSF plans to introduce screening for noma into existing MSF programmes, such as malnutrition screening and vaccination campaigns, with the aim of early detection and prompt treatment,” says Sherlock.
Finally, MSF will continue its advocacy efforts around noma. Its three-year campaign has received strong support from survivors of the disease, who have contributed their voices to get across the simple but important message: that noma is a preventable and treatable disease which should no longer exist.
MSF joins noma survivors in celebrating inclusion in WHO neglected tropical diseases list
Police launch search for oba of bayagan ile reported missing in kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
The police in Kwara State have launched a search for the Oba of Bayagan Ile Village, HRH Kamildeen Abdul Salam, who was reported missing on Saturday.
According to the sources, the traditional ruler left his home for his farm at about 7:00 a.m. on Nov. 29 but failed to return by 2:00 p.m. for lunch. His wife and family members traced him to the farm but could not locate him.
Investigators discovered the Oba’s motorcycle abandoned in the bush along the roadside, prompting a report to the police.
The Divisional Police Officer, Zulu, has mobilised a team of officers and local vigilantes to search for the traditional ruler.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and efforts to locate HRH Kamildeen Abdul Salam are continuing.
Police launch search for oba of bayagan ile reported missing in kwara
Two CPG members killed, one injured in Zamfara bandit attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Two members of the Civilian Protection Group (CPG) were shot dead, while another was injured in an ambush by armed bandits in Dansadau, Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack occurred on Saturday at about 5:00 p.m. while the CPG members were travelling from Dantudu to Dansadau.
The injured member, identified as Kamal Yaron Malam, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to Dansadau General Hospital for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were also taken to the hospital for autopsy before being released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.
Local residents expressed concern over the growing spate of bandit attacks in the area.
Two CPG members killed, one injured in Zamfara bandit attack
Cuban Embassy Honours Fidel Castro Nine Years After His Passing
By: Michael Mike
The Cuban Embassy in Nigeria has held a commemorative gathering to mark nine years since the death of Fidel Castro, with Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero leading the tribute to the late Cuban leader whose influence, she said, continues to shape global struggles for justice.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, and members of Nigeria’s Cuba-friendship community, Ambassador Morales Palmero said the annual remembrance carries deep meaning for the Cuban people and remains a moment to reflect on the principles Castro championed throughout his lifetime.
She thanked attendees for what she described as a visible expression of the strong ties between Cuba and Nigeria, noting that solidarity between both nations “remains a living and unbreakable link.”
The ambassador described Castro as a figure whose impact went far beyond politics. She portrayed him as a global moral voice, committed to defending the disadvantaged and speaking out against oppression in all forms.
She said: “His (Castro) life was defined by dedication to just causes,” adding that his legacy reaches beyond Cuba’s borders to all who pursue a more equitable world.
Morales Palmero also highlighted Castro’s longstanding connection to Africa, recalling his admiration for countries on the continent and the mutual respect he cultivated with African leaders and liberation movements. According to her, Castro viewed Africa not only as a partner but as a source of resilience and inspiration.
Although Castro died in 2016, the envoy emphasized that his influence persists. She told the audience that Castro’s ideals, consistency, and loyalty to principle continue to serve as a guide for people who remain committed to justice and dignity. “Fidel did not disappear,” she said. “His example endures.”
The programme featured the screening of the documentary “Fidel is Fidel,” which presents key moments from Castro’s life and leadership. Organizers said the film was chosen to give audiences a renewed sense of the personal qualities—discipline, conviction, and humanity—that shaped his decades of public service.
The evening ended with expressions of continued friendship between Cuba and Nigeria, reaffirming shared commitments to solidarity and cooperation—values central to Castro’s worldview.
Cuban Embassy Honours Fidel Castro Nine Years After His Passing
Police launch search for oba of bayagan ile reported missing in kwara
Two CPG members killed, one injured in Zamfara bandit attack
Cuban Embassy Honours Fidel Castro Nine Years After His Passing
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