Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added noma, a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, to its list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD).
- Also known as cancrum oris, noma has a high mortality rate of around 90% and is linked to extreme poverty, malnutrition, and poor access to sanitation and oral hygiene.
- The disease primarily affects children aged 2-6 in poor communities, and due to a lack of awareness, there are unreliable estimates, with the latest data dating back to 1998.
Symptoms:
- The disease, which manifests as gum inflammation, is thought to be caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- It often starts as an ulcer on the mucous membrane, frequently after measles or other illnesses.
- Survivors may face facial disfigurement, jaw muscle spasms, oral incontinence, and speech problems.
The disease, also known as the ‘face of poverty,’ was common in the Western world in the past, disappearing with economic progress.
Noma’s inclusion in the WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases is seen as a significant step toward eradication, prompting calls for increased attention and resources.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of tropical infections that are common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms (helminths).
