Kourittenga: Health professionals in Koupela have received specialized training aimed at the prevention and management of noma, a severe oral and dental disease. The training sessions took place on Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, 2025, benefiting Head Nurses of posts (ICP), Community Base Health Agents (ASBC), and community relays of radio Dauphin of Koupela.

According to Burkina Information Agency, noma is recognized by the World Health Organization as a significant global health challenge, ranking after malaria, AIDS, and cardiovascular diseases. The disease, which rapidly progresses to a mutilating gangrenous condition of the face, primarily affects children aged 2 to 6 years in environments marked by malnutrition and poverty. Due to the severe consequences and limited awareness, there is a pressing need to increase understanding and reduce its occurrence.

In response to this challenge, the NGO La chaine de l’espoir, along with its partners “Sentinelle” and radio “la voix du paysan,” launched a comprehensive project focused on preventing maxillofacial pathologies, particularly noma, in Burkina Faso. As part of this initiative, the training in Koupela aimed to empower local health professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary for early identification and effective management of noma cases.

Adama Sougouri, director of the radio station La Voix du Paysan, noted that the training provided participants with resources to spread awareness and facilitate the referral of cases that could benefit from support. With enhanced skills, the trained professionals are now poised to implement local awareness campaigns, improving care and reducing the incidence of noma within their communities.

Source: Burkina Information Agency