The World Health Organization has congratulated Niger on eliminating onchocerciasis, also referred to as river blindness, making it the first African and fifth country in the world to achieve control of river blindness. River blindness is a disease that is brought about by a parasite that is transmitted by the bites of the black fly that can be found near rivers. This disease is one of the leading causes of infectious blindness worldwide. Niger has managed to control the disease after several years of activity involving spraying insecticides near the rivers to reduce the percentage of flies and providing drugs such as ivermectin and albendazole. These drugs were donated and were used in mass activities aimed at reducing other diseases. Later surveys indicated that the prevalence of infection reduced from 60 percent to near zero. The Nigerian government, the WHO, and other humanitarian organizations have commended the work done in eliminating river blindness. Niger managed to achieve control of Guinea worm disease in 2013. Niger has become a beacon of hope for other nations that are fighting neglected tropical diseases.

Praise GOD for the efforts of the Nigerien government, WHO, and other aid groups to eliminate river blindness in Niger (The Holy Bible, Psalm 33:2).

Pray for wise counsel for the Nigerien authorities to implement effective measures to eliminate other endemic diseases, such as malaria and cholera. Pray for divine protection over all people in Niger, especially the most vulnerable (The Holy Bible, Exodus 23:25).

News Source: WHO

Image Source: Canva