The work of the Foundation
The Foundation spearheads funding for national programs for the fight against Noma. In 2000, after enabling a pilot Noma program to be launched in Niger, the Winds of Hope Foundation decided to fund identical programs in Burkina Faso, Mali and Benin in 2002. In 2006, Togo and Senegal were added to the group of countries supported by Winds of Hope. It acts of a five-year partnership agreement with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO).

Noma, a little-known but horrific scourge
Noma, from the Greek word, nomein, (to devour), is a devastating gangrene that starts in the mouth and quickly spreads to disfigure the face, destroying both soft and bony tissue. The disease is attributed to poor hygiene and malnutrition, and spreads in conditions of extreme poverty. Its victims are almost always children aged 2 to 6. Untreated, noma is fatal in 80% of cases and leaves survivors with intolerable mutilations.