02055nas a2200325   4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653000900076653001700085653002200102653002300124653003500147653001700182653003900199653002300238653002300261653002100284100001600305700001400321700001200335700001400347700001500361700001800376700001600394700001300410700001300423245008000436520118800516022002501704       2024                            d  bOxford University Press (OUP)10aNoma10acancrum oris10achildren's rights10ahealth disparities10ainfectious diseases in poverty10amalnutrition10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aorofacial gangrene10aSub-Saharan Africa10aWHO recognition 1 aSatapathy P1 aRustagi S1 aKumar P1 aKhatib MN1 aGaidhane S1 aZahiruddin QS1 aGaidhane AM1 aNeyazi M1 aNeyazi A00aUnderstanding noma: WHO's recognition and the path forward in global health3 a<p>The World Health Organization's (WHO) designation of noma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) on 15 December 2023 marks a crucial advancement in global health efforts. This move sheds light on a condition predominantly affecting undernourished children in isolated regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Recognized as the 21st NTD, noma, or cancrum oris, is a serious condition leading to orofacial gangrene. The disease largely impacts young children and those with compromised immune systems, including individuals with human immunodeficiency virus or leukaemia. Determining the exact prevalence of noma is complex, hindered by rapid disease progression, societal stigma and a lack of reporting, especially in impoverished areas. The WHO's acknowledgment is a significant step, emphasizing the need for more in-depth research and resources to address this overlooked disease. It highlights the critical role of multifaceted prevention strategies, including economic empowerment, improved nutrition and enhanced vaccination efforts. This recognition is pivotal in guiding international health initiatives towards better outcomes for some of the most at-risk populations globally.</p>
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