The first
description of Noma as a clinical entity originated from Carolus
Battus, a surgeon in The Netherlands in 1595. In 1828 A.L. Richter
(a doctor in Berlin) clarified in his book that Noma had been
widespread throughout Europe for many centuries and it was understood
that malnutrition and measles could lead to Noma. By the end of
the 19th Century, Noma had virtually disappeared from Western
Europe as a result of improved nutrition and conditions of hygiene
among the poor people. Noma cases were also found in Nazi concentration
camps where victims died as a direct result of malnutrition. As
a paradox, the active treatment of Noma became possible only AFTER
its disappearance from Europe with the discovery of penicillin
and by the development of reconstructive surgery. In less developed
countries, however, Noma remained what it was, the "true face
of real poverty".
The Problem Today
The WHO has
fearfully reported that Noma may be on the increase in various
African countries. This is hardly surprising considering the economic
crisis in many sub-Saharan countries which impairs the health
and well being of children through increasingly overcrowded conditions,
deteriorating sanitation and inadequate nutrition. Food supplies
in some sub-Saharan countries have declined over the past decade
and many people are afflicted by severe chronic malnutrition.
The picture is further complicated by increasing numbers of armed
conflicts, the AIDS epidemic and a high level of corruption.
Surgical team visit to Ethiopia: Chairman's Report
On 13th Oct 2007, our team of volunteers flew to Addis Ababa for two weeks of dedicated and highly skilled facial reconstructive operations. 2nd February 2008
Warning : Internet Fraud Over the past months we have been notified of a number of instances where
fraudsters are using our name, web site, text and pictures for their own
fraudulent fundraising through unsuspecting members of the public through
the internet. 30th January 2007
The Noma Hospital Launches Website The Noma Hospital is Sokoto is now online. The new
website - nomahospital.org - contains more information on Noma, the hospital
and surgical expeditions.
Volunteer Surgeons & Anaesthetists Wanted Join a volunteer medical team in Sokoto, Nigeria,
and contribute your valuable time to operating on some of the tragic victims
of Noma.
More Information
The
Surgical Treatment of Noma An online version of the Facing Africa-sponsored
book on the treatment of Noma. This book is aimed at surgeons and anaesthetists
who see the needs of patients suffering from the sequelae of noma, and
are working in developing countries or are planning to do so on a per-
manent basis or as part of a surgical aid programme. Requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader. (1.9mb)
The
Sokoto Project Further information about the children's hospital
in Sokoto, Nigeria. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. (269kb)
