Noma Disease: 5 Warning Signs to Watch for in Children
A recent report from Sokoto is drawing fresh attention to noma, a severe disease that can rapidly destroy the mouth and face of affected children. More than 500 children were treated for noma at the Noma Children Hospital in Sokoto between 2023 and 2025, according to a recent report. Some survivors have required several reconstructive operations because of the damage caused by the disease.
But beyond the surgeries and heartbreaking stories of survivors is an important health message: noma can be treated much more effectively when it is recognised early.
Five warning signs parents should know
Noma often begins in the mouth and is strongly associated with malnutrition, poor oral health, extreme poverty and weakened immunity. WHO says it mainly affects young children, particularly those between 2 and 6 years old.
Parents and caregivers should seek medical attention if a child develops:
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Very bad breath
- Excessive drooling or salivating
- Pain or sores in the mouth
- Facial swelling, fever or unexplained weight loss
These signs do not automatically mean a child has noma. However, unusual changes in a child’s mouth should not be ignored, particularly when the child is malnourished or unwell. WHO notes that noma can progress rapidly, while early treatment can prevent the severe tissue destruction associated with advanced disease.
Noma is also not spread from person to person. Prevention includes good oral hygiene, adequate nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation, and appropriate childhood healthcare.
The latest attention on children receiving treatment in Sokoto is therefore more than a story about reconstructive surgery. It is also a reminder that recognising the warning signs early can make a major difference.
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