More Collaboration Is Needed to Eliminate the Tropical Disease Noma

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added noma, which causes gangrene of the face and jaw, and primarily affects low-income, malnourished children, to its list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Often starting as inflamed gingiva, untreated noma can rapidly destroy facial structures, leading to disfigurement and a mortality rate of up to 90%. Despite its severity, the cause remains unclear, with theories suggesting a link to malnutrition, genetics, or recent measles infections. Advocates hope that placing noma on the NTD list will bring awareness and resources to fight this disease, which is easily prevented with antibiotics. Advocates suggest that a unified campaign involving epidemiologists, microbiologists, dental professionals, and global collaboration will help to reduce noma’s prevalence. Oral diseases are just as significant as medical conditions. The chance of reducing the presence of noma is increased through medical-dental collaboration. Click here to read more.