Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, has conducted a two-day training session for 200 staff members, community engagers, and volunteers of the ASATTAHIR International Foundation in Sokoto State. The training, which took place from September 22 to 23, 2026, focused on the prevention, early detection, and referral of Noma cases. The program was organized by the Health Promotion Unit of MSF for AIF personnel working in Sokoto North, Sokoto South, and Wamakko Local Government Areas.
The training aims to equip frontline workers with practical knowledge to identify possible Noma cases and guide affected individuals to appropriate health facilities for further assessment and treatment. MSF Medical Team Lead in Sokoto, Florencia Maghanga, emphasized the importance of early detection in preventing the disease from progressing. She noted that delays in identifying and referring suspected cases could have serious consequences.
According to Maghanga, prevention remains the best approach to combating Noma, and this requires community awareness, early recognition, and prompt referral. The training is designed to strengthen the capacity of AIF staff and community volunteers to contribute to Noma prevention and ensure suspected cases receive timely attention. This initiative is crucial in Sokoto State, where Noma cases have been reported.
Speaking on behalf of AIF, the foundation’s Head of Programmes and Research, Rufus Yagkong, expressed appreciation to MSF for strengthening the capacity of its staff and community volunteers. He stated that the training would improve the ability of AIF personnel to contribute to Noma prevention and ensure suspected cases receive timely attention.
Yagkong also mentioned that AIF would integrate Noma prevention and awareness into its existing programs across the state. The foundation plans to use its community structures and field presence to increase awareness, promote early recognition of the disease, and encourage timely referral of suspected cases. This collaboration with MSF demonstrates AIF’s commitment to working with relevant organizations to improve health outcomes among vulnerable communities.
The partnership between MSF and AIF is critical in addressing the Noma disease in Sokoto State. Noma is a disease that requires prompt medical attention, and early detection is crucial in preventing its progression. By training AIF staff and volunteers, MSF is contributing to the prevention and control of Noma in the state.
The training program is part of MSF’s effort to support the identification and referral of suspected Noma cases to the Noma Children Hospital in Sokoto. Since 2018, MSF has conducted over 1,380 major surgeries for Noma cases in Sokoto. The organization continues to work with local partners to improve health outcomes and prevent the spread of diseases in the region.
Key points
- MSF trains 200 AIF staff and volunteers on Noma prevention in Sokoto State.
