“Niger has proven that what was once thought impossible is possible. Mectizan was donated to control river blindness 37 years ago. Today, we know that elimination of transmission is possible, which will permanently end the suffering caused by the disease in Africa.“
Dr. Yao Sodahlon, director of the Mectizan Donation Program.
Niger has made history by becoming the first country in Africa to be declared free of onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness.
This achievement, verified by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the importance of long-term investments, country ownership of health goals, and effective public-private partnerships in combating neglected tropical diseases.
The journey began nearly 50 years ago when Niger joined ten other African countries in the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) in 1975 to curb the spread of this debilitating disease.
River blindness is caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm, which is transmitted through the bites of infected black flies.
Countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico have also been verified by the WHO for eliminating river blindness, emphasizing a collective global effort.
Dr Salissou Adamou Batchiri, Niger’s national coordinator for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, stated, “After almost 50 years combating river blindness, Niger’s success is a testament to the power of long-term, sustained investments, country ownership of health goals, and effective public-private partnerships.”
“Over 99% of onchocerciasis cases currently occur in 31 African countries.”
Niger’s robust commitment and strong national elimination program have played a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Collaborative efforts with various partners, including the Ministry of Health of Niger, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Helen Keller International, the End Fund’s Reaching the Last Mile Program, and the WHO, have been instrumental in this victory.
Eliminating onchocerciasis is just one part of the WHO’s ambitious targets outlined in the NTD road map for neglected tropical diseases for 2021–2030.
The goals include stopping mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin in at least one focus area in 34 countries, reaching more than 50% of the population in at least 16 countries, and achieving complete coverage in at least 12 endemic countries by 2030.
“The elimination of river blindness in Niger shows us that ending neglected tropical diseases is not just a dream – it is an achievable goal with profound rewards. But success demands action from every sector. Governments must demonstrate leadership by increasing domestic funding for NTD programmes, strengthening health systems from the ground up, and elevating NTDs as a national health priority.“
Lawless (2025).
Currently, over 99% of onchocerciasis cases occur in 31 African countries. This is a stark reminder of the massive work that still needs to be done.
Niger’s triumph over river blindness serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of eliminating all neglected tropical diseases.
With the right strategies and commitment from all stakeholders, eradicating tropical diseases can become a reality, improving health outcomes and quality of life for millions.
