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Noma is a gangrenous disease that affects people (mostly children) living in poverty. 90% of people affected die in the first two weeks. Noma attacks bone, skin and tissue, and leaves survivors with aesthetic and functional sequelae: disfigurement, and impairments in breathing, swallowing, speaking, vision and definitive mouth closure. The World Health Organization estimates that noma affects 140,000 people every year. Many survivors experience physical and mental consequences.

At the Noma Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria, disfigured survivors find a unique place to heal their wounds. Sakina is a little girl, Amina and Adamu are teenagers and Mulikat and Aliyu are adults who have lived for decades with the terrible physical and psychological consequences of noma. While they suffer from pain and discrimination, they are on a life-changing journey to overcome years of isolation.

The documentary ‘Restoring Dignity’ follows survivors in Nigeria, as they visit a specialized hospital in the city of Sokoto, run by the Ministry of Health and supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Over one year, the film follows their journey to heal their wounds and overcome years of isolation. Watch the Restoring Dignity trailer.

For this event, we invite you to watch the documentary ‘Restoring Dignity’ and then invite you to a panel discussion with our speakers below, including the Director of the documentary, Claire Inediz. The panel discussion will be chaired by Dr. Brittney Mengistu, Postdoctoral Researcher/Lecturer in Global Health and Transdisciplinary Research at Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

1. Dr. Ruth Peters ( assistant professor in Global Health at the Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

2. Karla Bil, deputy medical director Artsen zonder Grenzen (Médecins Sans Frontières)

3. Claire Jeantet, filmmaker Restoring Dignity & noma campaign manager Artsen zonder Grenzen (Médecins Sans Frontières)

4. Dr. Bukola Oluyide, noma representative Artsen zonder Grenzen (Médecins Sans Frontières)

This event will take place at NU-4C11 (four floor), theatre 7, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

About the location:

From the main entrance of the NU building (De Boelelaan 1111) take the elevator A to the fourth floor. Take the left exit from the elevator section (don’t cross the bridge). Go straight and follow the direction to Theatre 7.

For more information, please see the invitation below.