The World Health Organization recognizes Niger as a pioneer in the fight against river blindness
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the Niger as the first country in the Africa Region to have eliminated Onchocerca volvulus transmission, making it the fifth country globally—and the first in Africa—to achieve this milestone.
« Eliminating a disease is a monumental achievement that reflects unwavering dedication, » stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. « I commend Niger for its relentless efforts to free its population from this stigmatizing and debilitating disease, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. This success underscores the remarkable progress we’ve made in combating neglected tropical diseases and serves as an inspiration for countries still battling river blindness. »
Also known as river blindness, onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection and the world’s second-leading infectious cause of blindness after trachoma. It spreads through the bite of an infected blackfly, commonly found near fast-flowing rivers. While endemic primarily in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen, smaller affected regions exist in Latin America.
Country-led initiatives and effective partnerships drive success
Between 1976 and 1989, under the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP), Niger implemented vector control measures, including insecticide spraying, which significantly reduced transmission rates. Following donations of ivermectin from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign using ivermectin and albendazole was launched from 2008 to 2019 in areas still affected by lymphatic filariasis. Since ivermectin also targets onchocerciasis, these efforts inadvertently helped curb transmission of Onchocerca volvulus in co-endemic zones.
Niger initiated preliminary assessments in 2014 to evaluate onchocerciasis transmission interruption after discontinuing MDA for lymphatic filariasis in most regions. Subsequent entomological and epidemiological surveys confirmed that the combined strategy of vector control and drug administration had successfully halted transmission, reducing prevalence from approximately 60% to just 0.02%.
The country’s success stems from a collaborative effort involving the Nigerien government, WHO, and multiple non-governmental organizations. This partnership facilitated resource mobilization, technical support, and continuous monitoring of disease prevalence and impact, ensuring timely adjustments to intervention strategies for maximum effectiveness.
« For decades, river blindness has inflicted immense suffering and hindered economic growth in affected communities, » explained Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. « Niger’s achievement not only liberates its people from this burden but also sets a powerful example for other African nations striving to eliminate neglected tropical diseases. The country has already demonstrated leadership by eliminating Guinea worm disease in 2013, marking another historic public health victory. »
Global progress in eliminating tropical diseases
Worldwide, 54 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD).
Niger joins four other countries certified by the WHO for eliminating onchocerciasis, all located in the Americas Region: Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala (2016), and Mexico (2015).
In the Africa Region, 21 countries have eliminated at least one NTD. Onchocerciasis is the second NTD eliminated in Niger—following the certification of Guinea worm disease transmission interruption in 2013.
