Niger becomes the first African country to eliminate river blindness

Onchocerciasis is spread by infected blackflies in rural areas along rivers and lakes. [Courtesy]

Niger became the first African country to eliminate the parasitic infection onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, and the fifth worldwide, according to World Health Organisation (WHO). The declaration came after a decade-long effort that included vector control and mass drug administration to affected communities to reduce the prevalence of the infection to nearly zero.

"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," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti,.