Noma: From Neglected Disease to WHO Recognition

Noma, a rapid and devastating gangrenous infection of the mouth and face, has been officially added to the World Health Organization's list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This recognition is a result of a global coalition's persistent advocacy, including noma survivors and organizations like Médecins sans frontières, which began campaigning in 2020.

Mulikat Okanlawon, a noma survivor, became a driving force behind the campaign, co-founding the first association of noma survivors, Elysium. Her personal journey from a village in Nigeria to becoming an advocate highlights the dire need for greater awareness and treatment options for this condition, which affects impoverished communities, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical areas.

The addition to the NTD list, encompassing 21 conditions, is intended to draw more attention and facilitate funding for diseases that disproportionately affect the poor. However, inclusion does not automatically guarantee financial support, and advocates stress the ongoing need for international collaboration and investment to combat these neglected conditions effectively.

While the WHO list signifies a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing noma and other NTDs, the journey for affected individuals and researchers remains challenging. Continued efforts are essential to secure necessary resources, improve treatment accessibility, and ultimately reduce the burden of these debilitating diseases globally.