Niger becomes first African nation to eliminate river blindness
What you need to know:
- This milestone was achieved through decades of effort and support from global health initiatives, including the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF) and the END Fund.
Niger has made history as the first African country to eliminate the transmission of river blindness, according to verification by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This milestone was achieved through decades of effort and support from global health initiatives, including the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF) and the END Fund.
River blindness, or onchocerciasis, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) transmitted by black flies that can cause severe skin conditions, visual impairment, and irreversible blindness. Before control programs began, the disease affected up to 50 percent of adults in some West African regions, forcing communities to abandon fertile land near rivers.
RLMF, co-founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, partnered with Niger’s Ministry of Health to collect evidence proving the disease’s elimination.
Niger’s National Coordinator for Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis, Dr Salissou Batchiri, highlighted the impact of this achievement.
“River blindness prevented people from farming and contributing to the economy. Its elimination has created a healthier and more productive population,” he said.
The economic benefits of eliminating river blindness in Niger are estimated at $2.3 billion, with 17.8 billion additional working hours gained. Women, who often serve as caregivers, have rejoined the workforce, reinvesting about $111 million into their families and communities.
Senior Technical Advisor at the END Fund, Dr Daniel Boakye called the achievement a “historic verification” and praised Niger’s commitment to public health.
Despite this progress, 246 million people across 31 countries still require treatment for river blindness. RLMF aims to eliminate the disease entirely in Africa and Yemen by 2030, expanding its funding target to $500 million.
“Niger’s success proves that eliminating neglected tropical diseases is possible,” said Nassar Al Mubarak, CEO of Reaching the Last Mile.
"This feat demonstrates that with country leadership and the sustained support of partners, an Africa free of neglected tropical diseases is within our grasp. Now is the time for us to rally together to achieve it.”
