Noma is a rapidly progressing gangrenous disease that destroys the tissues and bones of the face. It primarily affects young children living in conditions of extreme poverty, malnutrition and limited access to healthcare. Without treatment, it can lead to death or leave survivors with severe physical, functional, psychological and social consequences.(afro.who.int, who.int, who.int)
Yet noma is not inevitable.
When detected early, the disease can be stopped through accessible measures, including proper oral hygiene, adequate nutrition and antibiotics. Prevention, early detection and rapid referral to appropriate healthcare facilities can save lives. (who.int, afro.who.int)
In December 2023, the World Health Organization officially recognized noma as a neglected tropical disease. This historic decision must now be followed by concrete, coordinated and sustainably funded action.who.int)
Our Demands
We call upon governments, international organizations, health institutions, foundations, businesses and development partners to work together to:
- Integrate noma prevention and screening into national maternal, child and oral health programmes.
- Train community health workers to identify the early signs of noma and quickly refer affected children to appropriate medical facilities
- Strengthen the fight against malnutrition, improve oral hygiene and ensure that vulnerable families have access to essential healthcare.
- Guarantee free access to treatment for affected children, including medication, hospital care, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and psychological support.
- Create and support specialized treatment centres in the countries most affected while strengthening local healthcare systems.
- Fund research and reliable data collection to better understand the scale of the disease and improve prevention and treatment strategies.
- Launch a global awareness campaign to break the silence, stigma and exclusion faced by survivors.
- Protect the dignity and rights of survivors, including their right to healthcare, education, social inclusion and a life free from discrimination.
Why Your Signature Matters
Every signature strengthens our appeal to decision-makers.
Every share helps another family learn about noma.
Every voice contributes to bringing this neglected disease out of the shadows.
Our goal is to bring together one million voices demanding an international response that matches the urgency of the situation. This petition will be presented to governments, international organizations and partners capable of supporting concrete programmes for prevention, treatment and reconstructive care.
Signing this petition means demanding that no child be abandoned in the face of noma.
It means defending every child's right to grow up, smile, eat, speak, attend school and live with dignity.
Together, Let Us Act Now
Sign the petition. Share it with others. Invite your family, friends, colleagues and communities to join this global movement.
Together, we can prevent noma, save lives and restore hope to affected children.
It's the gesture that counts.
Roger Milla Program
www.rogermilla-program.org
#SaveChildrenFromNoma — #EndNomaNow — #ItsTheGestureThatCounts
