A/HRC/19/73
(a)
States – those with high stunting and wasting rates in children, as well as
donor States – should step up their fight against malnutrition;141
(b)
International assistance earmarked for nutrition should be increased.
Such aid should be spent more efficiently and with a human rights framework in
mind, by enabling individuals to feed themselves not by fuelling a dependency cycle;
(c)
Policies for the reduction of poverty and malnutrition should prioritize
the most vulnerable groups. Gender discrimination, discrimination of the poor from
the rural areas and slums, exclusion and corruption must be systematically tackled as
a paramount condition for achieving a brighter future for children.
67.
As the present study has revealed, noma is a neglected disease killing,
disfiguring, and destroying the lives of children worldwide. It is a disease of extreme
poverty, the main predisposing factor of which is malnutrition. The persistence of
noma - the disease of Nazi concentration camps – in today’s world raises doubts not
only about our morality, but proves that the human rights of children, the most
vulnerable members of the international community are being severely ignored and
violated. States and international organizations should assume responsibility for the
neglected victims of noma. The following is therefore recommended:
(a)
The exclusive focus on noma in Africa through the WHO Regional
Office in Africa is insufficient; therefore noma should be addressed at the global level.
This includes worldwide surveillance, prevention, primary health care, surgical and
rehabilitation treatment and etiological study.
(b)
Government and private funding for the fight against noma in Africa
should be increased and funding and WHO coordination for other regions urgently
provided.
(c)
Affected States must establish noma action plans and appoint a noma
focal person.
(d)
Modalities to raise awareness about noma among the medical
community, Government authorities, private donors and public opinion should be
explored. As a means to reach this aim, noma could be formally acknowledged as a
WHO neglected disease. States should promote a resolution at the World Health
Assembly to list noma as a neglected disease.
(e)
The Advisory Committee invites the Human Rights Council to
encourage States to implement the Human rights principles and guidelines to improve
the protection of children at risk or affected by malnutrition, specifically at risk of or
affected by noma.
141
See
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/NUTRITION/Resources/2818461131636806329/PolicyBriefNutrit
ionScalingUpApril.pdf.
21
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