Niger Becomes First African Country to Eliminate Onchocerciasis, Verified by WHO
Niger Becomes First African Country to Eliminate Onchocerciasis, Verified by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially verified Niger as the first country in the African Region to eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. This achievement makes Niger the fifth country globally and the first in Africa to successfully interrupt the transmission of the parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised Niger for this milestone, stating, “Eliminating a disease is a significant achievement that requires tireless dedication. 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.”
About Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of infected black flies, primarily found in riverine areas. It is the second leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, after trachoma, and predominantly affects rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen. The disease has historically caused significant health and economic burdens, driving communities away from fertile river areas essential for livelihoods.
Effective Country-Led Efforts and Partnerships
Niger’s success in eliminating onchocerciasis is the result of decades of coordinated efforts. Between 1976 and 1989, under the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP), Niger implemented vector control measures, including insecticide spraying, which significantly reduced transmission levels. Following the donation of ivermectin by Merck, Sharpe & Dohme (MSD), mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns targeting lymphatic filariasis (LF) also contributed to interrupting onchocerciasis transmission, as ivermectin is effective against both diseases.
From 2008 to 2019, Niger conducted MDA with ivermectin and albendazole in endemic areas, followed by rigorous surveillance. Preliminary assessments for onchocerciasis transmission interruption began in 2014, with subsequent entomological and epidemiological surveys confirming the disease’s elimination. Prevalence rates dropped from approximately 60% to 0.02%, meeting WHO’s criteria for verification.
Key to Niger’s success was the strong partnership between the Nigerien government, WHO, and non-governmental organizations, which mobilized resources and technical support. Continuous monitoring and timely adjustments to strategies ensured the effectiveness of interventions.
A Model for Neglected Tropical Disease Elimination
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the broader significance of Niger’s achievement: “Onchocerciasis has long caused immense human suffering and impeded the economic development of affected communities. Niger’s success ends this burden for its people and positions the country as a model for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in Africa. Niger previously demonstrated its leadership in public health by eliminating Guinea-worm disease in 2013. Today, it takes another historic step forward.”
Global Progress Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
Globally, 54 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Niger joins four countries in the Region of the Americas—Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Mexico (2015), and Guatemala (2016)—that have been verified by WHO for eliminating onchocerciasis. In the WHO African Region, 21 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Onchocerciasis is the second such disease eliminated in Niger, following the certification of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) elimination in 2013.
This milestone underscores the importance of sustained commitment, effective partnerships, and innovative strategies in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, offering hope to other nations striving for similar achievements.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
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