NIGERIA stands out as one of the Noma endemic countries in Africa, with approximately 3 in every 100 children in Nigeria suffering from this deadly disease which is not significantly more common in northern than southern Nigeria, according to a study.
Experts, in the first meta-analysis to assess the cumulative and overall prevalence of Noma in children in Nigeria, reported that malnutrition, measles and malaria were the main associated risk factors for noma, a highly fatal infection that spreads to the facial muscles. and ultimately causes facial disfigurement due to destruction of the cheek, nose, lips and/or eyelid.
The study, published in BMC Oral Health, analyzed 12 studies conducted between 1970 and 2023 with 871 cases of Noma and indicated a prevalence of Noma of 2.95% and that men were slightly more affected than women.
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 not significantly lower in southern Nigeria than in northern Nigeria.
The study revealed: “Firstly, the prevalence of Noma in Nigerian children raises concern, especially considering the possibility of its elimination.
“Secondly, the higher prevalence of Noma in northern Nigeria appears to correlate with higher levels of poverty in the region, inadequate access to healthcare, severe malnutrition, compromised access to clean water, poor sanitation practices and suboptimal vaccination coverage, especially poor vaccination. against measles, which is a risk factor for Noma.
“Third, there is evidence of an increase in the prevalence of Noma, possibly related to economic crises exacerbating child malnutrition in Nigeria.
“These findings emphasize the critical need to address Noma as a neglected tropical disease, requiring investments for its eradication. Special emphasis must be placed on northern Nigeria to advance the goal of eliminating Noma.
“However, developing a comprehensive agenda for Noma elimination requires a multifaceted approach that effectively addresses recognized risk factors such as malnutrition, measles and malaria.
“This review draws 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.