Niger achieves historic milestone in eliminating river blindness

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the Niger as the first country in the African Region to have eliminated Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite responsible for river blindness, a debilitating and stigmatizing disease.

« Eliminating a disease is a monumental achievement that demands relentless dedication and collaboration, » stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. « The Niger’s unwavering commitment to freeing its people from this poverty-driven affliction is a testament to global progress in combating neglected tropical diseases. This milestone offers hope to nations still grappling with river blindness and underscores the power of coordinated action. »

River blindness, or onchocerciasis, ranks as the second leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, surpassed only by trachoma. The disease spreads through the bite of a blackfly, commonly found near fast-flowing rivers, and disproportionately affects rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen, with smaller endemic areas in Latin America.

Country-led initiatives and impactful partnerships drive success

From 1976 to 1989, the Niger participated in the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) in West Africa, spearheaded by the WHO. The initiative involved large-scale insecticide spraying to drastically reduce transmission rates. Later, thanks to Merck, Sharp & Dohme’s (MSD) donation of ivermectin, the country launched a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign from 2008 to 2019 in regions still battling lymphatic filariasis. Since ivermectin is effective against both diseases, and given overlapping endemic zones, this effort also played a pivotal role in halting Onchocerca volvulus transmission.

The Niger initiated preliminary assessments in 2014 to evaluate the interruption of onchocerciasis transmission, following the cessation of MDA for lymphatic filariasis in most areas. Entomological and epidemiological surveys confirmed the success of integrated drug and vector control strategies, with prevalence plummeting from roughly 60% to just 0.02%.

Beyond vector control and pharmaceutical donations, the Niger’s achievements were bolstered by a robust partnership between its government, the WHO, and multiple non-governmental organizations. This collaboration facilitated resource mobilization, technical support, and continuous monitoring of disease prevalence and impact, enabling rapid adjustments to intervention strategies for maximum effectiveness.

« River blindness has long devastated lives and stifled economic growth in affected communities, » noted Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. « The Niger’s success eliminates this burden and sets a powerful example for other African nations. In 2013, the country already demonstrated its public health leadership by eliminating Guinea worm disease. This latest milestone further cements its legacy as a trailblazer in eradicating neglected tropical diseases. »

Global progress in combating neglected tropical diseases

Globally, 54 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease to date.

The Niger joins a select group of five countries—all in the Americas—where the WHO has verified onchocerciasis elimination: Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala (2016), and Mexico (2015).

Within the WHO African Region, 21 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. For the Niger, this marks its second major elimination: the country was certified free of Guinea worm disease transmission in 2013.