Ending the neglect to attain the sustainable development goals: noma control: technical brief

Overview

This technical brief provides an evidence-based overview of noma to support implementation of the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 following the disease’s inclusion in the WHO list of neglected tropical diseases in 2023. It describes the epidemiology, clinical progression and risk factors associated with noma, a rapidly progressing gangrenous disease that primarily affects young children living in conditions of extreme poverty, malnutrition and poor hygiene. The document highlights the disease burden, challenges related to surveillance and reporting, and the social consequences experienced by affected individuals, including disability, stigma and discrimination.

The publication outlines strategic interventions for noma control, including early detection, case management, improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene, nutritional support, oral health care, community awareness and integration into national health systems. It presents the global target of disease control together with indicators and milestones for monitoring progress towards 2030, and describes the methodology used to develop disease maps, establish targets and support routine data collection. The brief serves as a reference for countries, partners and WHO teams in planning, implementing and monitoring integrated, multisectoral interventions for noma control.