Author's details
- Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
- MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
- Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.
Reviewer's details
- Dr Adeyemi, Moshood Folorunsho
- BDS, FMCDS
- Maxillofacial surgeon University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital/University of Ilorin
- Date Published: 2025-03-19
- Date Updated: 2025-03-19
How Noma Can Be Prevented in Sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction
Noma, also known as cancrum oris, is a devastating disease that primarily affects children in impoverished regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It starts as a gum infection and rapidly destroys the tissues of the face, leading to severe disfigurement and, if untreated, death. Noma is largely a disease of extreme poverty, poor sanitation, and malnutrition. The disease is linked to weakened immune systems due to malnutrition and infections, such as measles or malaria.
Discussion
Prevention Tips
- Improve Nutrition: Providing children with balanced and nutritious meals is crucial. Ensure access to essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, zinc, and iron, to strengthen their immune systems.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing of teeth, use of clean water, and teaching proper oral care practices can reduce the risk of gum infections that lead to noma.
- Vaccinations: Immunization against common childhood diseases such as measles, which can weaken a child's immune system, is vital.
- Sanitation and Clean Water: Access to clean water for drinking and hygiene helps prevent the spread of infections that can trigger noma. Promote handwashing with soap and improved sanitation facilities.
- Early Health Intervention: Early treatment of infections such as measles, malaria, and diarrheal diseases can prevent noma from progressing. Educate communities to seek medical help for any signs of gum or facial swelling.
- Health Education: Raising awareness in communities about the importance of nutrition, hygiene, and the early signs of noma is essential for prevention.
Conclusion
Noma is preventable through simple, cost-effective measures like improved nutrition, good oral hygiene, and vaccination. Community education and early healthcare interventions can drastically reduce the occurrence of this debilitating disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
References
- World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed Nov. 26 2024
- Murray JJ, Nunn JH, Steele JG, editors. The prevention of oral disease. Oxford University Press; 2003 Jun 5.
- Ogbureke KU, Ogbureke EI. NOMA: A Preventable “Scourge” of African Children. Open Dent J. 2010 Oct 21;4:201-6. doi: 10.2174/1874210601004010201. PMID: 21243072; PMCID: PMC3020568.
- Caulfield A, Alfvén T. Improving prevention, recognition and treatment of noma. Bull World Health Organ. 2020 May 1;98(5):365-366. doi: 10.2471/BLT.19.243485. Epub 2020 Apr 8. PMID: 32514203; PMCID: PMC7265945.
