Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the University of Liverpool have received funding to investigate the causes of noma, a severe neglected tropical disease that destroys tissues of the mouth and face.
Noma is a rapidly progressing, devastating disease which primarily affects malnourished young children in regions of extreme poverty, with cases mostly reported in Africa. It starts as an inflammation of the gums, which, if not treated early, spreads quickly to destroy facial tissues and bones. It frequently leads to death, with survivors suffering severe disfigurement and lifelong complications.
The PathNoma alliance will use this new funding award to explore the microbiological and immunological factors that drive noma, helping to identify new strategies for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Professor Adam Roberts, Professor of Microbiology in the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD) at LSTM, said: “The microbiology of Noma has been neglected for far too long. Understanding the bacteria involved and how the body’s immune system responds is essential to finding ways to prevent and stop this disease in its earliest stages. This collaboration will help fill critical gaps in knowledge and create a foundation for effective interventions that will save lives and prevent suffering.”
The PathNoma alliance is a research consortium led by Dr Stuart Ainsworth from the University of Liverpool that brings together researchers from LSTM, ISGlobal, the CaixaResearch Institute, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). By combining world-leading microbiological research with frontline humanitarian expertise, the partnership hopes to generate the evidence needed to change how noma is understood, prevented, and treated.
Dr Stuart Ainsworth, leader of the PathNoma alliance and Senior Lecturer from the Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes at the University of Liverpool said: “We already know that chronic malnourishment and poverty are major risk factors, but this significant funding will allow us to pinpoint which bacteria drive the gangrene, whether it’s caused by a single species or several acting together, and also to understand its interaction with the immune response and why some children develop noma while others do not. With this knowledge, we can begin developing effective early treatments and, potentially, a vaccine.”
The funding has been awarded to the PathNoma alliance by the German charity Hilfsaktion Noma e.V, a nonprofit organisation that runs treatment centres for noma survivors in Niger, Guinea Bissau and Nigeria. The charity works to support prevention and awareness programmes in affected regions to give survivors a greater chance at recovery.
Mathis Winkler, Head of Projects at Hilfsaktion Noma e.V., whose mother, Ute Winkler-Stumpf, founded the charity and sadly passed away in August 2025, said: “My mother was a strong believer in research and always hoped to solve the riddle of this deadly disease. We’re excited to be a part of this crucial project to demystify noma as we look to continue her legacy.”
In recognition of its impact on marginalised communities, the World Health Organization added noma to its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) at the end of last year.
Professor Mark Taylor, Head of the CNTD at LSTM, said: “Noma is one of the most devastating neglected tropical diseases, yet it has received remarkably little scientific and public health attention. By adding Noma to the WHO’s list of NTDs, this neglect is now being addressed, and our research centre is strengthening LSTM’s commitment to tackling the full spectrum of diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities around the world.”
Building on years of humanitarian experience and renewed scientific focus, the PathNoma alliance will aim to unravel the mystery of noma and generate the evidence needed to drive effective prevention and protect children and communities at risk.