Mulikat Okanlawon works as a hygiene officer at the Sokoto Noma Children’s Hospital in the northern corner of Nigeria. 

Mulikat first came to the hospital more than 20 years ago to receive treatment for noma, a neglected disease that if untreated leads to severe disfigurement and often death.

“I used to cry every day. I didn’t associate with anyone due to the stigma. I was alone,” Mulikat recalls. “But after I was treated here, everything changed. I began to admire myself. I began to relate to other people. I continued my schooling. I began to do everything that I couldn’t do before.”

Having subsequently completed her tertiary education at the local Gwadabawa School of Health Technology, Mulikat was offered her current job at Sokoto Noma Children’s Hospital, where she also provides psychosocial support to noma patients and acts as an advocate. 

“My goal is to inspire people,” she says. “I want to share my story with all noma patients: There is still life after Noma. When there is life, there is hope.”

With many thanks to Mulikat for sharing her story.