Free operations give hope to children with a neglected but deadly disease in Africa
Sokoto, Nigeria (AP) — Three-year-old Ibrahim Dalhatu contracted noma, a severe disease that disfigures the face and kills most children it infects, in 2021. Since then, he has undergone six reconstructive surgeries to recover. Noma is a rapidly progressing, often fatal infection that primarily affects children aged 2 to 6, especially in poor communities in Africa.
Health workers in Nigeria are witnessing an increase in noma cases, with Doctors Without Borders providing free multi-stage operations as part of their mission to combat neglected diseases. The disease, classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, receives little global attention and funding, despite its devastating impact on victims.
In Nigeria, the government-led response may result in more reported cases compared to other countries.
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