Source: Gloria Addo
A Landmark Public Health Achievement Recognized by the WHO
In a historic breakthrough, Niger has become the first African country to eliminate river blindness, officially known as onchocerciasis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Niger’s success, marking a major milestone in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Joining the Global Ranks of Disease Elimination
With this achievement, Niger becomes just the fifth country globally to eradicate onchocerciasis. The other four are:
- Colombia (2013)
- Ecuador (2014)
- Mexico (2015)
- Guatemala (2016)
“I congratulate Niger for its commitment to freeing its population from this blinding and stigmatizing illness,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “This success offers hope to other countries still battling onchocerciasis.”
How Niger Achieved Elimination
Niger’s success stems from a multi-decade, integrated strategy that combined:
- Vector control through targeted insecticide use
- Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin, donated by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)
- Rigorous epidemiological surveillance and mapping
- Strong collaborations between the Nigerien Ministry of Health, WHO, and key NGO partners
These efforts were part of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) in West Africa, one of the most successful disease control initiatives on the continent.
A Second Major Victory for Niger
Niger’s triumph over onchocerciasis follows its earlier elimination of Guinea-worm disease in 2013, placing the country among Africa’s leaders in the fight against NTDs.
This achievement reinforces Niger’s growing reputation for:
- Sustained public health investment
- Effective use of global partnerships
- Strong political will in disease elimination programs
Implications for Africa and the World
Niger’s elimination of river blindness offers a powerful model for:
- Health policymakers across Africa
- Global health donors and partners
- Community-level mobilization strategies
“This is more than a victory for Niger,” said WHO’s regional NTD director. “It is a signal to the world that elimination is not just a dream but a practical, achievable reality.”
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