Waving Goodbye to Another Terrible Disease

Niger becomes the first country on the African continent to eliminate onchocerciasis – a parasitic disease responsible for many skin and eye issues.

“Through hard work and collaboration, we have managed to eliminate this terrible disease. Niger is a blueprint for more countries in the region to achieve elimination and ensure that generations can live without the fear of river blindness,” says His Excellency Dr Garba Hakimi, Minister of Public Health, Population, and Social Affairs.

The disease, transmitted through the bite of infected black flies, is particularly prevalent along riverbanks where the flies breed, hence its more common name: “river blindness.” Once infected, it causes major discomfort and often leads to blindness or incessant itching. Efforts to control the disease in Niger date back to 1976, when black fly breeding sites were treated with larvicides. In recent years, greater surveillance and easier access to necessary medicines have greatly aided in the elimination of onchocerciasis in the country. Niger may be the first country in the region to achieve such success, but it certainly won’t be the last, as others are following in its footsteps.