Noma eats away at the face of people like 27-year-old Aliyu from Nigeria. He likes to protect his face with a cloth. (Photo: Claire Jeantet, Fabrice Caterini/Inediz)
Noma eats away at the face of people like 27-year-old Aliyu from Nigeria. He likes to protect his face with a cloth. (Photo: Claire Jeantet, Fabrice Caterini/Inediz) On December 15, 2023, the World Health Organization officially added noma to the list of neglected tropical diseases, which will make it easier to combat and research this poverty-related disease. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the University of Basel both played a key role in ensuring noma was recognized in this manner. Many people prefer to look the other way when it comes to this disease, as the sight of young children suffering from its effects is unbearable. It causes open wounds on the face and whole sections of the cheek appear to have been eaten away. Children who survive the disease remain disfigured throughout their lives and struggle with speech disorders and eating problems.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
