Nigeria's Government Launches Oral Health Plan to Combat Noma

On 9 November 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to improve oral healthcare delivery and eliminate Noma as a public health issue. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced this initiative during the National Noma Day and National Oral Health Day event in Abuja.

The plan aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the importance of oral health in Universal Health Coverage. Dr. Salako highlighted the high prevalence of Noma, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions, and noted the WHO's recognition of Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease in 2023.

The Ministry has integrated Noma surveillance into the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system and trained healthcare workers in 19 states. The strategic plan, estimated to cost ₦70 billion over five years, aims to enhance oral health through preventive services and integration into primary healthcare.