Diamond Tran

Noma: Impacts of environmental factors, living conditions, and prevention strategies

Started June 7, 2024

Abstract or project description

Noma, or cancrum oris, is a rapidly progressing necrotizing disease that mainly affects children living in poor areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This devastating disease leads to a high mortality rate or severe disfigurement if diagnosed late and left untreated. Environmental factors such as poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and malnutrition, compounded by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, are the main factors in the spread of Noma. Despite the disease's alarming impact, it remains little studied and is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). This review proposes a summary of the relationship between environmental factors, living conditions, and the incidence of Noma. It also examines the existing literature on the effectiveness of current prevention strategies, such as access to water, nutritional supplementation, vaccination programs, and healthcare interventions. The aim is to propose a comprehensive summary of the strategies to reduce Noma prevalence and improve outcomes through collaborative efforts between local governments and international organizations. By addressing the root causes of the disease, this review hopes to inform public health initiatives and help reverse the incidence of Noma in affected regions.