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WHAT IS NOMA?

Noma is a neglected disease

that affects people living in

poverty

infectious

non-contagious

bacterial disease

Up to 90% of the people affected

DIE IN THE FIRST

2 WEEKS

if they don’t receive

TREATMENT ON TIME

Noma starts as an

inflammation of the gums

similar to a small

mouth ulcer

The infection destroys

the bones and tissues

very quickly

affecting the

jaw lips cheeks nose

depending on where

the infection started

It takes JUST DAYS

for NOMA

to leave survivors

with

severe facial disfigurements

that make it hard to

eat speak see breathe

On top of that,

survivors must deal with

social stigma

noma mostly affects

children under

7 years old

malnutrition

poor health

are the main factors behind the

infection that leads to noma

WHERE DO YOU FIND NOMA?

Noma is most prevalent in

Africa Asia

But cases have also been identified

all over the world

in patients with

POOR IMMUNE SYSTEMS

IS NOMA PREVENTABLE?

Noma is absolutely

PREVENTABLE but only if there is knowledge about the disease

Balanced diet

Vaccinations

Oral hygiene

Access to healthcare

all help to

PREVENT NOMA

IS NOMA TREATABLE?

NOMA IS TREATABLE

if detected and managed during

the first weeks of the disease

WITH

wound dressing

antibiotics

a patient can fully recover from noma

within a few weeks

TO KNOW MORE

ABOUT NOMA VISIT:

noma.msf.org