The death rate associated with noma is spectacularly high. However, with early treatment oral hygiene, antibiotics and nutritious feeding, the rate can be lowered from 70 90% to approximately 20%. Thus, early recognition of the clinical signs of the disorder is vitally important, followed by proper treatment. Also, vaccination against infectious diseases such as measles would considerably cut the incidence of noma.
Improving the diet of malnourished children in risk areas could considerably lower the death rate and occurrence of this disorder. Bertrand Piccard [3], the founder of the organization Winds of Hope and president of the "No Noma - International Noma Federation', considers that "the vaccine against noma, would be to feed all of Africa". In more realistic terms, and in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals, "Mà ©decins sans frontià ¨res' (Doctors Without Borders) calculates that 2.76 billion Euro are needed to eliminate acute severe malnutrition of children. Put in perspective, 2.76 billion Euro represents a truly insignificant fraction of the economic recovery plans which have been approved in the last months by governments throughout the globe.
Quote from "NOMA: THE FACE OF POVERTY'
"Because Noma isn't contagious, it's nobody's priority. Because it's directly linked to malnutrition and poor hygiene, it's seen as a problem without a solution. And yet it is a symbol. It is the symbol of the state of disparity in which our world is evolving, fractured into extravagant societies and starving populations, ultra sophisticated technologies and total destitution. It is also the symbol of our short-sightedness when we forget that humanity won't be able to advance very far by leaving three-quarters of its population behind. Sounding the alarm is not a simple gesture of naà ¯ve solidarity, but truly of addressing the problem of safety for the future of our planet." (Dr. Bertrand Piccard, President of the International NONoma Federation and President of the Winds of Hope Foundation)
The impact of the food and economic crisis
The effect of the aggravated food crisis due to the economic downturn must be addressed.
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