Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Program

Incepted in 2011, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Program of the Oral Health Advocacy Initiative (OHAI) has been dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria and across Africa. This program focuses on diseases that disproportionately affect underserved and vulnerable populations, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and access to treatment. A core component of this initiative is the sustained advocacy and intervention against Noma, a deadly and disfiguring disease that primarily affects children in impoverished areas, often leading to severe facial destruction and death if left untreated.

OHAI has consistently raised awareness about Noma, a disease associated with malnutrition, poor hygiene, and limited access to healthcare. Over the years, through its medical outreach programs, OHAI has incidentally encountered more than 7,000 cases of Noma across various regions of Nigeria. These cases were identified through direct patient care and screenings, highlighting the significant public health gap in the early detection and treatment of this condition. The findings from these outreach efforts were documented and published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, contributing to global awareness and scientific knowledge about the disease’s impact.

One of the landmark achievements of OHAI’s NTDs Program was hosting the first National Noma Conference in 2016. The conference brought together experts, healthcare providers, and policymakers to discuss the urgent need for a coordinated national response to Noma. The event played a critical role in advocating for the establishment of dedicated treatment centers and stronger health policies to address Noma and other neglected diseases.

In 2023, as a direct outcome of this advocacy and collaboration, the Noma Treatment Center was officially established in Abuja, Nigeria. This center serves as a specialized facility to provide medical and surgical care for Noma patients, offering them the chance to recover, regain their quality of life, and reintegrate into society.

OHAI’s NTDs program also addresses other neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths. Through its extensive outreach programs, OHAI provides diagnostic services, treatment, and promotes health education on sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention.

By partnering with local governments, the Federal Ministry of Health, international health organizations, and community stakeholders, OHAI continues to make a significant impact on reducing the burden of NTDs in Nigeria. Through its sustained advocacy for Noma and other neglected diseases, OHAI remains at the forefront of efforts to improve the health and well-being of the most marginalized populations.