Parental neglect or system failure? An unusual case of osteomyelitis in a child leading to hemimandibulectomy with emphasis on public health view.

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of bone, usually due to infection with bacteria or other micro-organisms especially fungi that is associated with bone necrosis and destruction. Symptoms include fever, swelling, pain, hypoesthesia, and discharging sinus. It is diagnosed based on history, clinical examination, and radiological investigations (plain radiographs, CT scan, MRI). The hallmark of treatment is infection control through antibiotic administration particularly Clindamycin, curettage, sequestrectomy and in some cases resection. This is a case of six-year old boy who presented with an unusual case of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible which started as a tooth ache on the lower left side of the jaw. It then progresses to form a swelling which progressively increased in size. Puncture of the swelling was done by a traditional healer popularly known as ‘SAKIYA’ in Hausa language. This case should serve as a challenge for government at all levels to ensure accessibility and affordability of healthcare services through full implementation of universal health coverage with incorporation of basic oral healthcare package.