Following an official request submitted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in January 2023 for Noma disease to be included in the list of Neglected Tropical Diseases, the World Health Organisation has finally accepted on Friday.
According a press statement sighted on WHO’s official website, stating that it’s a pivotal move towards addressing one of the world’s most underrecognised health challenges, also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that Noma, a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, primarily affects malnourished young children (between the ages of two and six years) in regions of extreme poverty. It starts as an inflammation of the gums, which, if not treated early, spreads quickly to destroy facial tissues and bones. It frequently leads to death, with survivors suffering severe disfigurement.
The release stated that its sequel to the 17th meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases.
The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was quoted to have said, “Noma is more than a disease, it is a social marker of extreme poverty and malnutrition, affecting the most vulnerable populations.
“By classifying noma as a neglected tropical disease, we are shining a light on a condition that has afflicted marginalised communities for centuries. We are committed to working with affected countries and communities to address the drivers of noma, and alleviate the suffering it causes.”
The statement partly added, “Accurate estimation of the number of noma cases is challenging due to the rapid progression of the disease and the associated stigma, which contributes to leaving many cases undiagnosed. Cases of noma are mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa, although cases have also been reported in the Americas and Asia.
“Evidence indicates that noma is caused by bacteria found in the mouth. There are multiple risk factors associated with this disease, including poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, weakened immune systems, infections, and extreme poverty. Noma isn’t contagious but tends to strike when the body’s defenses are down.
“Early detection is essential, as therapy is most effective at the early stages of disease when it causes severe swollen gums, known as acute necrotizing gingivitis. Treatment involves antibiotics, advice and support on practices to improve oral hygiene with disinfectant mouthwash (salt water or chlorhexidine could be used) and nutritional supplements. If diagnosed during the early stages of the disease, treatment can lead to proper wound healing without long-term consequences. In severe cases though, surgery may be necessary. Children who survive the gangrenous stage of the disease are likely to suffer severe facial disfigurement, have difficulty eating and speaking, face social stigma and isolation, and need reconstructive surgery.
“The recognition of noma as an NTD aims to amplify global awareness, catalyse research, stimulate funding, and boost efforts to control the disease through multisectoral and multi-pronged approaches. Interventions addressing the burden of this devastating disease will contribute to achieving universal health coverage, as they will specifically target pockets of underserved populations.”
