Which country became the first in Africa to be acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) in early 2025?

The correct answer is Niger.

Key Points

• Niger became the first African country to be acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) for successfully eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) in early 2025.
• The WHO recognition came after Niger conducted extensive public health campaigns aimed at eradicating the disease, which is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.
• The elimination was achieved through sustained mass drug administration (MDA) programs using ivermectin, a drug that targets the parasite and interrupts its transmission cycle.
• This achievement highlights Niger's commitment to combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and improving public health infrastructure.
• Onchocerciasis primarily affects communities living near fast-flowing rivers in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to severe itching, skin lesions, and in extreme cases, blindness.

Additional Information

• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness):
  • It is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies (genus Simulium).
  • Symptoms include severe itching, skin changes, and visual impairment that can lead to permanent blindness.
  • The disease predominantly affects rural communities in Africa but also occurs in some regions of Latin America and Yemen.
• Ivermectin:
  • Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that has been instrumental in controlling and eradicating onchocerciasis.
  • It works by killing the microfilariae (larval stage of the parasite), thereby reducing transmission and disease progression.
  • WHO's mass drug administration programs distribute ivermectin free of cost in endemic regions.
• Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):
  • NTDs are a group of diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Examples include onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, and schistosomiasis.
  • Global initiatives such as WHO’s NTD Roadmap aim to eliminate or control these diseases by 2030.
• Global Health Impact:
  • Eliminating onchocerciasis in Niger sets a precedent for other African nations to strengthen their disease elimination efforts.
  • It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.