WHO Adds Noma to Neglected Diseases List, Bringing Hope to Survivors
Noma, a disfiguring disease that affects impoverished communities, has been added to the World Health Organization's list of neglected tropical diseases. The disease, which is fatal in 90% of cases without treatment, starts as a sore on the gums and rapidly destroys facial tissue and bone. It primarily affects malnourished children living in extreme poverty. The Nigerian government requested the addition of noma to the list, which was supported by 31 countries. While the recognition is seen as a great achievement, challenges remain in terms of funding and training specialists to address the disease.