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Noma (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face. It is a non-contagious, opportunistic infection mostly affecting children aged 2–6 years and is linked to malnutrition, poor oral hygiene and weakened immune systems.1 It is most commonly found in deprived and marginalised communities in sub-Saharan Africa, although cases have been reported elsewhere.2 It is difficult to accurately estimate the number of cases due to the stigma associated with the disease, its rapid progression and high (90%) case-fatality rate, and poor health and surveillance systems.3