Noma is a rapidly progressing, severe and often fatal gangrenous disease of the mouth and face. Like other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), it primarily affects vulnerable and marginalized populations, especially malnourished children living in poverty, affected by infectious diseases, experiencing poor oral health and/or with weakened immune systems. Although the true global distribution of noma remains unknown, most reported cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with additional cases documented in the Americas and Asia.
In December 2023, noma was officially added to the WHO list of NTDs following a recommendation from the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for NTDs, with strong commitment from Member States and engagement of non-State actors across WHO regions. This inclusion aims to support integration into the WHO NTD Road Map 2021–2030 (“the road map”), strengthen advocacy, mobilize resources for research and development, and accelerate targeted national interventions.
In this context, WHO published the Noma Control Technical Brief in July 2026. The brief provides guidance for designing, implementing and monitoring noma-related interventions within the framework of the road map. It outlines the epidemiology and burden of noma, strategic interventions and 2030 targets, monitoring indicators, and opportunities to integrate noma prevention and control into health systems through multisectoral collaboration.
The WHO Regional Office for Africa and WHO headquarters will convene an online information session on 17 August 2026, 09:00–10:30 (GMT+1) / 10:00–11:30 (CEST) to introduce the Noma Control Technical Brief and discuss coordinated action towards the 2030 noma targets.
Please register here: https://who.zoom.us/meeting/register/2BDGY_uoT727UBbrc0AKkA