NOMA Disfigurement

**chris** · #1 ● 08-12-2008, 10:53 PM

NOMA is found almost exclusively in malnourished children in the poorest countries. It is a vicious and deadly gangrene that eats away the flesh around the mouth and face of children aged mainly up to 6 years. It is estimated that 70 - 90% of these children die but for those who survive, there is the tragic situation where their faces are so disfigured that they are rejected by their societies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to 500 000 children are victims of NOMA and that over 100 000 aged 2 - 6 contract NOMA every year.

Most cases of NOMA start with ulcers on the gums. From there, the disease spreads; the mouth becomes sore and cheeks or lips become tender and swell. This causes the child considerable pain and within a few days the facial flesh starts to decay. As the gangrene destroys the flesh (sometimes even bones) a scab forms and eventually falls off leaving a gaping hole in the face. In infancy, the lips are often eaten away thus preventing the child from breast feeding. Once facila decomposition has set in, 4 out of 5 children will die if they do not reach an hospital in time and as most of the victims live in abject poverty and in remote villages, medical treatment is not a consideration. The survivors will carry grotesque disfigurement for the rest of their lives. Most will not be able to eat or speak normally.