MSF trains health workers to tackle Noma disease in Sokoto

Médecins Sans Frontières has trained 200 staff, community engagers and volunteers of Asattahir International Foundation on Noma prevention, early detection and referral in Sokoto State.

The two-day training, held from September 22 to 23, 2026, brought together participants from Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko Local Government Areas of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday.

The training was facilitated by the Health Promotion Unit of MSF to strengthen community-level efforts to prevent Noma, identify suspected cases early and ensure timely referral to appropriate health facilities.

Speaking at the event, the Medical Team Lead of MSF Sokoto, Florencia Maghanga, commended AIF for its role in identifying and referring suspected Noma cases to the Noma Children Hospital in Sokoto.

She stressed the importance of early detection and prompt referral, warning that delays in identifying and treating the disease could have serious consequences.

“Early identification and timely referral are critical. Prevention remains the best approach, and this requires sustained community awareness, early recognition and prompt referral,” she said.

Maghanga noted that equipping frontline workers and volunteers with the necessary knowledge would help improve the identification of suspected cases and strengthen efforts to prevent the disease at the community level.

The participants were trained to recognise potential Noma cases, promote preventive practices and facilitate referrals to health facilities for appropriate care.

Speaking on behalf of AIF, the organisation’s Head of Programmes and Research, Rufus Yagkong, expressed appreciation to MSF for the training and its support in building the capacity of the foundation’s frontline personnel.

He said the knowledge acquired would improve the ability of staff, community engagers and volunteers to contribute to Noma prevention, early detection and referral.

Yagkong added that AIF would incorporate Noma prevention and awareness activities into its ongoing programmes across Sokoto State.

He said the foundation would leverage its community structures and field presence to educate residents, encourage early recognition of the disease and promote timely referral of suspected cases.

The partnership, according to the foundation, reflects its commitment to collaborating with relevant organisations and stakeholders to strengthen humanitarian and development interventions, particularly among vulnerable communities.

Noma is a severe disease that primarily affects the mouth and face and can cause extensive tissue damage. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential to preventing its progression and reducing the risk of disability and death.