International Noma Network

Noma, also known as cancrum oris, is a rapidly progressing infection of the oral cavity, with a reported 90% mortality rate if untreated. Treatment with antibiotics, wound debridement and nutritional support in the early reversible stages of the disease greatly reduces mortality and morbidity. 

Once noma progresses past these stages, the sequelae of noma are numerous and include difficulty in eating, drinking, seeing and breathing. Noma mostly affects disenfranchised children who lack access to basic nutrition, hygiene services, and health care. 

Noma is an important public health issue and its existence is a painful reminder of the existing global inequalities in food distribution, health care access and living conditions. 

There is a dearth of research and literature on noma and numerous gaps in knowledge around this neglected disease.