In global health, challenges often reveal hidden opportunities. The recent World Health Organization’s designation of noma as a neglected tropical disease, or NTD, is an excellent example given the potential this represents to put in place a comprehensive approach to care that will benefit noma and other NTD patients the world over.
A devastating and often deadly facial gangrene that affects people in impoverished communities, noma presents both formidable challenges as well as an immediate and far-reaching call to action. This call goes out not only to the NTD community but also to the entire global health and development network: A call to work together to solve problems for the world’s poorest people.
Noma is intrinsically linked to poverty, primarily occurring among malnourished children with limited access to health care. It inflicts not only physical suffering but also profound, life-changing psychological and social scars on its victims.
About the author
Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall
Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, renowned for his public health and epidemiology expertise, has over 30 years of experience in the field. He was director of the global NTD program and assistant director-general for emergency response at WHO and has a strong background in strategic planning for health programs. Dr. Fall has a doctorate in medicine and public health, with specializations in tropical medicine and epidemiology.
