Noma – The face of poverty
Victims of the gangrenous disease are mostly children in the poorest parts of our world.
The bacterial infection mainly affects malnourished children whose immune system is weakened by pre-existing illnesses and bad sanitary conditions. Noma destroys facial tissue and bones. Often, the children are hidden by their relatives fearing for embarrassment, ignorance and helplessness. According to the WHO, the number of Noma victims is 100,000 children per year. 80% of the infected die from consequences of the disease (e.g. sepsis, fever, neglect).
With improved nutrition, access to clean water and supply of antibiotics, the survival rate is nearly at 100%. “Help for Congo Kids e. V.” wants to educate about Noma in accessible villages within the Democratic Republic of Congo.