Screening & Discussion at the WHO Academy: Shedding Light on Noma, a Neglected Tropical Disease
We invite you to a special screening of Restoring Dignity, a powerful documentary by Claire Jeantet and Fabrice Catérini that tells the stories of noma survivors in Nigeria. The event will be held at the WHO Academy and includes a post-screening discussion about this often overlooked tropical disease.
Hosted in partnership with WHO’s Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) and Médecins Sans Frontières, this screening provides a unique chance to hear firsthand accounts of resilience and recovery.
About the Film
Restoring Dignity follows five survivors—Sakina, Amina, Adamu, Mulikat, and Aliyu—as they work to rebuild their lives after enduring pain, stigma, and isolation caused by noma. Their experiences reveal the severe physical and emotional impacts of the disease, along with remarkable strength to overcome it.
What is Noma?
Noma is a rapidly progressing gangrenous infection starting in the mouth, linked to extreme poverty, malnutrition, and poor hygiene. In December 2023, WHO officially classified noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease, supported by 32 countries. Without prompt treatment, noma can destroy facial tissue within two weeks and has a fatality rate up to 90%.
Event Details
- The film will be shown in a bilingual format with French and English subtitles.
- The discussion following the screening will be held in French.
- A live Q&A session will take place after the screening.
"Restoring Dignity follows five survivors on their journey to reclaim their lives after years of pain, stigma, and isolation."
How to Join: Please register to attend via the provided link.
"Noma has a fatality rate of up to 90% and can destroy facial tissue within two weeks without treatment."
This event supports HAFF’s and the WHO Academy’s mission to use film as a tool for health education and raising awareness.
Author's summary: This screening sheds vital light on noma, illustrating the disease's devastating impact and highlighting survivor resilience through an eye-opening documentary and discussion.