An Interview with
Dr. Ife Adetula.
A Public Health Dentist and Noma Advocate
Written by: Cassandra Collins
Dr. Ife Adetula at the Scientific Session of 2023 Noma Conference
Location: Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative (NANI) facility in Abuja, Nigeria
Credit: Dr. Ife Adetula
Serving as a public health dentist and head of the ZeroNoma Initiative in Kano State, Nigeria, Dr. Ife Adetula serves as a beacon of advocacy and transformative care in the fight against noma, a devastating necrotizing infection targeting the orofacial region. In this insightful interview, Dr. Adetula shares the intricacies of his personal and professional journey to increase awareness and treatment for individuals affected by noma.
“When I came across noma, I…was like ‘what is this?’ ”
reflects Dr. Adetula as he recalls his first few encounters with the disease. This introspective moment underscores the profound disparity between the basic knowledge imparted in education and the shocking reality of disease, as noma was not mentioned during Dr. Adetula’s time as a dental student.
Dr. Adetula’s transformative journey unfolds from a perplexed novice clinician to a public health dentist and advocate, driven by a commitment to prevent and address the root cause of noma. “…I put myself in the condition of somebody who had it,” he shares, highlighting the importance of empathy in approaching the challenges posed by this disease. From his earliest cases, Dr. Adetula states that the issues with mobilizing resources for patients, the distinct scent of patients stricken with noma and the massive amount of facial tissue destruction remains etched in his memory, prompting his interest in preventive measures and awareness.
10-year old female survivor of noma
Location: Nigeria
Credit: Dr. Ife Adetula
Out of this commitment, the ZeroNoma initiative was started in early 2020. ZeroNoma serves as a multifaceted program extending beyond the typical surgical inventions used to treat patients. Dr. Adetula recognizes “…that the risk factors of noma do not work in isolation,” emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that incorporates preventive measures, awareness campaigns and collaborative efforts to address this disease .
Currently, there are two hospitals in Nigeria providing comprehensive noma care- the Médecin Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders (MSF) hospital located in Sokoto, a town in the northwest corner of Nigeria, and the Noma Centre in the capital city Abuja, which opened on November 22,2023 by the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative (NANI). However, navigating the complexities of patient care, Dr. Adetula shines a light on the barriers currently faced by patients with noma, particularly those in rural areas. “It takes a lot of work to get a patient to come,” he described, highlighting the economic constraints and geographical challenges to timely access of medical care.
At the heart of the ZeroNoma initiative lies Dr. Adetula’s three main goals: zero cases, zero deaths, zero stigma
Zero cases: Driven by a commitment to prevention, this issue focuses on addressing the root causes of noma, through educational programs, awareness campaigns and screening offers to prevent the emergence of new cases.
Zero deaths: This initiative mobilizes humanitarian assistance and secures funding to ensure swift and effective medical attention for patients. By minimizing barriers to healthcare access, ZeroNoma Strives to reduce mortality rates associated with noma, saving lives and offering hope to those in urgent need.
Zero Stigma: Recognizing the impact of social perceptions, this initiative extends to reach its survivors, providing not only corrective surgeries but also mental health resources. This approach aims to empower and support noma survivors as they navigate life beyond the acute challenges of the disease, fostering a community of resilience and understanding.
On December 15, 2023, noma was finally recognized as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Upon revelation of the news, Dr. Adetula describes the significance of the moment, stating, “I felt on top of the world.” This recognition propels Noma and the work of advocacy groups worldwide into a new phase, where global recognition can serve as a catalyst for addressing the broader challenge of oral health diseases.
Dr. Adetula’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of advocacy and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.
The Noma Action Group at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry sincerely thanks Dr.Ife Adetula for graciously sharing his experience with us.