The World Health Organisation on Friday officially announced Noma (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) as a Neglected Tropical Disease.
The WHO in a statement noted that the decision which was recommended by the 17th meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases underscores its commitment to expanding health services to the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with Medecins Sans Frontieres and 31 other member states, had in November proposed Noma’s inclusion as a NTD in the WHO’s official disease listing.
Noma, a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, primarily affects malnourished young children (between the ages of two and six) 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…