Noma: the hidden childhood disease known as the ‘face of poverty’

This little known and preventable disease disfigures those it does not kill - and a new campaign hopes to raise awareness and eradicate it entirely

Warning: this article includes graphic images some readers may find disturbing

Fidel Strub was three when the inside of his cheek started to itch. After a few days, it felt like it was burning, then it began to smell as if it was rotting. A splitting headache came next before his whole body started to feel uncomfortably hot.

I remember darkness came," he says. I had a hammering headache and a burning body. When I opened my eyes, any light stung them and it burned like hell. It was easier to close my eyes for less pain. I could do nothing but lie on the floor."