Nigeria Unveils N70 Billion Plan to Tackle Noma and Expand Access to Oral Healthcare
Nigeria is committing N70 billion to strengthen oral healthcare over the next five years, with particular attention to preventing Noma, a devastating disease that continues to threaten vulnerable children.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has introduced a N70 billion National Oral Health Strategic Plan covering 2026 to 2030, in a renewed effort to improve dental healthcare services and eliminate Noma as a public health problem.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, announced the initiative during the 2026 National Noma Day and National Oral Health Day commemorations in Abuja.
He raised concerns about the continued presence of Noma in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-East, where vulnerable populations remain at risk.
Summary: Nigeria is committing N70 billion to strengthen oral healthcare over the next five years, with particular attention to preventing Noma, a devastating disease that continues to threaten vulnerable children.
Noma is a severe but preventable disease that primarily affects malnourished children living in conditions of poverty and poor access to healthcare. If not detected and treated early, it can rapidly destroy facial tissues, leaving survivors with serious disfigurement and disabilities. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
The minister stressed the importance of early detection, prevention and improved access to oral healthcare, noting that tackling the disease requires coordinated efforts beyond the federal government.
He therefore urged state and local authorities to adopt the national strategic plan and ensure its implementation in their respective communities.
Dr Salako also called on development partners and healthcare professionals to strengthen collaboration in expanding oral health services and reaching populations with limited access to medical care.
The five-year initiative places renewed focus on the need to address preventable oral diseases, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.
Its success will depend largely on effective implementation, sustained funding and the ability of healthcare services to reach communities most affected by the disease.
