Shafi’u Isa, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of NOMA hospital in Sokoto State said the hospital has recorded 47 cases of the disease this year.
Mr Isa, who made the disclosure at a five-day retreat organized for the staff of Inter-Country Centre for Oral Health, ICOH, for Africa holding in Kano State, added that a total of 127 reconstruction surgeries were carried out in the hospital.
According to him, some NOMA cases recorded in the hospital require reconstruction surgery on the mouth of the affected person.
READ ALSO: NASRDA set to launch “Women in Astronomy” to bridge gender gap
He also revealed that some of the patients were Internally Displaced children brought from Borno State and other areas affected by insurgency.
The medical expert, however, attributed the re-emergence of the disease to poverty and non-compliance to timely immunization.
He added that lack of awareness was also a factor, calling on ICOH to intensify awareness campaign to enlighten people on the importance of immunization.
In his remarks, the Director of the centre, Sani Auwal directed heads of the Public Health and Basic Sciences to liaise with the hospital to get accurate data on NOMA patients.
READ ALSO: Ganduje proposes N26.7b budget for health sector
Mr Auwal said the essence of the training, which was the first of its kind organized by the centre was to review their activities and identify grey areas for workable solutions.
He assured of his readiness ready to reward hardworking start and at the same time take disciplinary actions against defaulters.
He further reiterated his resolve to revamp the centre in order to achieve its core mandates, which are research and training.
