Noma added to WHO’s list of Neglected Tropical Disease

Source- This post is based on the article “Noma added to WHO’s list of Neglected Tropical Disease ” published in “DownToEarth” on 18th December 2023.

Why in the News?

World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently added ‘Noma’ to its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD).

What is Noma?

1) It is a severe gangrenous (decaying because the blood has stopped flowing there) disease affecting the mouth and face. Noma eats away facial tissue and bones if not treated early.

2) It is caused by the bacteria spirochete Borrelia vincenti, commonly found in the mouth.

3) It typically begins as inflammation of gums but progresses rapidly, leading to extensive tissue destruction and eventually exposing facial bones.

4) It is also called cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis.

5) It has a mortality rate of around 90%.

6) It primarily affects children aged 2 to 6 years old who are malnourished, infected with infectious diseases, living in extreme poverty with poor oral health, or who have weakened immune systems.

7) Treatment- Immediate action with antibiotics, rehydration, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and providing nutritional supplements can halt the disease’s progression.

8) Preventive measures- Enhancing living conditions and healthcare access for vulnerable populations, ensuring proper nutrition, immunization, oral hygiene, and sanitation practices.

9) The illness’s neglected nature is most likely due to the fact that it affects the world’s most marginalised children.

What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)?

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