According to the World Health Organization (WHO), which just sent its congratulations, Niger has gone down as the first African country to stop the transmission of Onchocerca volvulus, commonly known as river blindness.
- Niger becomes the first African country to eliminate transmission of river blindness.
- It is also the fifth country in the world to end the transmission of the disease.
- This achievement required dedication and commitment to liberate the population from the blinding and stigmatizing illness.
Niger, according to WHO is also the fifth country in the world to end the transmission of the disease.
The health organization noted on Thursday that Niger had met the “criteria for onchocerciasis elimination.”
“Eliminating a disease is a significant achievement that requires tireless dedication,” stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“I congratulate Niger for its commitment to liberating its population from this blinding, stigmatizing illness that causes so much human suffering among the poorest.
This success is yet another testament to the remarkable strides we have made against neglected tropical diseases and offers hope to other nations still battling onchocerciasis, demonstrating that elimination is possible.”
The parasite disease onchocerciasis, sometimes referred to as river blindness, is the second most prevalent infectious cause of blindness globally, behind trachoma.
Humans catch it by getting stung by infectious black flies, which are mainly found near rivers.
Lesser endemic regions can be found in sections of Latin America, despite the illness mostly affecting rural communities in Yemen, and sub-Saharan Africa, according to WHO.
Niger’s bout with Onchocerca volvulus
Niger initiated early assessments on the extinction of onchocerciasis transmission in 2014 when LF MDA stopped spreading in most regions.
Subsequently, these entomological and epidemiological studies found that the combination of treatment and vector control had successfully eradicated onchocerciasis transmission, as evidenced by a decrease in prevalence from nearly 60% to 0.02%.
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Furthermore, to the vector control actions and medications supplied by MSD, a key factor contributing to Niger’s success is the partnership between the Nigerien government, WHO, and nongovernmental groups, which helps deploy resources and technical guidance.
Ongoing tracking of the disease’s prevalence and effects paved the way for timely alterations in plans and assured the effective execution of interventions.
“Onchocerciasis has long caused immense human suffering. It has also impeded the economic development of affected communities, driving people away from rivers, which are often lifelines for livelihoods,” says Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“Niger’s success ends this burden for its people. It also positions Niger as a model for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in Africa. The country previously demonstrated its leadership in public health, by eliminating Guinea-worm disease in 2013. Today, it takes another historic step forward,” the director added.
