Study reveals hidden distribution of noma disease in Nigeria

Noma, a deadly, rapidly progressing, noncontagious infection that destroys the soft tissues and bones of the mouth and face, remains one of the world's most neglected diseases. With a mortality rate of 80% to 90% if left untreated, the disease mainly affects young children living in extreme poverty and was only added to the World Health Organization's list of neglected tropical diseases in 2023.