“Noma” mouth eater… The neglected serious disease!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially listed “noma” disease (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) in its official list of neglected tropical diseases.
The announcement by the international organization came upon the recommendation of participants in the seventeenth meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTD), marking a pivotal step towards addressing one of the most unrecognized health challenges in the world.
Noma disease, also known as “noma,” is a severe gangrenous disease that affects the mouth and face. It primarily targets malnourished young children, specifically those aged between 2 and 6 years, in regions suffering from extreme poverty.
Caused by bacteria present in the mouth, the disease starts as gum inflammation. If not treated early, it rapidly spreads to destroy facial tissues and bones.
According to the World Health Organization, “noma” often leads to death, and survivors face severe disfigurements alongside a “stigma” that haunts them throughout their lives.
