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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
Maiduguri Flood: UN Pledges Support To Borno Flood Victims
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) has pro used to support the Borno State government in rescuing and assisting people trapped by the severe flood that devastated the state capital Maiduguri and its environs.
Mohammed Malik Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, made the announcement in Maiduguri on Saturday, while paying an assessment visit to the areas affected by flood.
Fall emphasised that the visit was aimed at gathering first-hand information on the flood victims and determining their immediate and long-term needs.
He disclosed that the floods have claimed the lives of 37 people, with 58 others hospitalised due to injuries and health complications.
Fall said: “Today’s visit to Borno was to meet with the affected flood victims, local authorities, humanitarian partners, government officials, and representatives from UN agencies and donors.”
The floods have so far displaced over 414,000 residents across Maiduguri and parts of Jere Local Council, while also damaging critical infrastructure, including bridges, hospitals, schools, and markets.
These disruptions have hindered healthcare services and business activities, further complicating the lives of those affected.
The UN’s top priority, according to Fall, is the immediate evacuation and rescue of people in high-risk areas, followed by providing essential supplies and support.
He also expressed concerns about the potential for disease outbreaks due to the flooding.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who was also present during the visit, called for a comprehensive flood disaster assessment in collaboration with the UN and development partners.
He said: “We need reliable data on the extent of damage to both lives and property,” stressing that the federal and state governments cannot manage the crisis alone.
The governor further mentioned plans for cash transfers to support the flood victims, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the ongoing disaster.
As the situation evolves, both the UN and the Borno State government are working closely to provide relief and prevent further loss of life.
Maiduguri Flood: UN Pledges Support To Borno Flood Victims
Yobe Govt. Supports Borno Flood Victims
By: Mamman Mohammed
Yobe state government has donated N100m assistance to Borno state government in support to victims of the Maiduguri floods.
Yobe state Governor His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, presented the donation on Saturday during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri.
Gov. Buni also announced a personal donation of foodstuff worth N50 million to the victims.
He described the Humanitarian crisis as catastrophic that calls for support and assistance from everyone.
“Yobe and Borno states are like twins that have suffered similar fate, and needs the support of one another” he said.
Buni prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and speedy recovery for the injured persons.
Gov. Zulum commended the government and people of Yobe state for the kind-hearted support to their brothers in Borno state.
“The people of Yobe and Borno states remain one united family, what affects one, affects the other.
“l am proud to say that His Excellency, my elder brother, Governor Mai Mala Buni, has since assumption of office as Governor of Yobe state strengthened the ties and brotherhood between Borno and Yobe states more than ever.
“Your administration has on several occasions identified with the government and people of Borno state.
“The government and people of Borno state deeply appreciate Your Excellency for this very kind gesture” Gov. Zulum said.
Yobe Govt. Supports Borno Flood Victims
Nigerian troops raids Boko Haram hideout, eliminate 3 Boko Terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian troops of Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated three terrorists in a daring operation, Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State in the early morning of Sept 14, 2024
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops under the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Desert Sanity III, conducted a raid on terrorist hideouts in Ngwom community at approximately 5:30 am.
The troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), made contact with the terrorists at 7:58 am. During the intense firefight, three terrorists were neutralized.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the Nigerian troops.
Nigerian troops raids Boko Haram hideout, eliminate 3 Boko Terrorists in Borno
Maiduguri Flood: UN Pledges Support To Borno Flood Victims
Yobe Govt. Supports Borno Flood Victims
Nigerian troops raids Boko Haram hideout, eliminate 3 Boko Terrorists in Borno
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