2023-12-16 00:00:36
Today the World Health Organization (WHO) made an important announcement. For the first time in history it recognized the NOMA as a neglected tropical disease. In this way, it recognizes the importance of increasing services among the most vulnerable people to reverse the problem and prevent it from continuing to increase.
What is NOMA?
The ORalso known as oral cancer, is a fast-acting gangrene infection that destroys the mucus membranes of oral and facial tissues. To date, its exact etiology is unknown, but it occurs more frequently in Malnourished children between two and six years in regions of extreme poverty.
It starts as a gum inflammation which, if not treated in time, spreads rapidly until it destroys the tissues and bones of the face. It often causes death and survivors suffer severely. facial disfigurements.
Breaking news: The World Health Organization has officially recognized noma as a neglected tropical disease#or #NTD #beatNTDs @WHO
— Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (@RSTMH) December 15, 2023
Most cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. For its part, this disease does not have a high prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean, although around 140,000 new cases are generated annually. Its mortality rate is 8.5%.
NOMA is a neglected tropical disease
The recognition of the OR like a neglected tropical disease aims to amplify global awareness, increase research, stimulate funding and boost efforts to control the disease through multi-sector and multi-faceted approaches.
Interventions that address the burden of this devastating disease will contribute to achieving universal health coverage by specifically targeting underserved population groups.
“By classifying NOMA as a neglected tropical disease, we are shedding light on a condition that has affected marginalized communities for centuries. “We are committed to working with affected countries and communities to address its causes and alleviate the suffering it causes,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom.
Why is NOMA generated?
The evidence indicates that the OR It is caused by bacteria found in the mouth. There are multiple risk factors associated with this disease, including poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, weakened immune system, infections and extreme poverty.
Early detection is essential because therapy is most effective in the early stages of the disease, when it causes severe inflammation of the gums, known as acute necrotizing gingivitis.
What is the pharmacological treatment of NOMA?
The treatment involves antibiotics, advice and support on practices to improve oral hygiene with disinfectant mouthwashes and nutritional supplements. If diagnosed during the early stages of the disease, treatment can lead to adequate wound healing without long-term consequences.
For its part, in severe cases surgery may be necessary. Children who survive the gangrenous stage of the disease are left with severe facial disfigurements. For this reason, they face difficulties eating and speaking, social stigma and isolation.
The Nigerian government spearheaded efforts to include the OR in the list of neglected tropical diseases. In January 2023, it submitted an official request to WHO on behalf of 32 Member States.
The request was supported by a detailed dossier highlighting the loading and distribution of noma and providing evidence to demonstrate compliance with the criteria established by the WHO. Several partner institutions contributed by sharing information and carrying out promotional activities.
Other neglected tropical diseases recognized by WHO
The complete WHO list includes 21 neglected tropical diseases. New ones are added periodically and some of the most recent are the following.
Mycetoma (2016) Chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses (2017) Scabies (2017) Snakebite poisoning (2017) NOMA (2023)
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