Published on 07 Oct 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently congratulated Niger for having met the criteria for onchocerciasis elimination.
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.
This makes it the fifth country globally and the first country in Africa to be acknowledged by WHO.
It is transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies (Simulium species), which breed near fast-flowing rivers and streams.
The disease primarily affects sub-Saharan Africa, with some cases in Latin America and Yemen.
Symptoms include severe itching, skin rashes, nodules under the skin, and progressive vision impairment that can lead to blindness
Onchocerciasis
The World Health Organization
WHO
neglected tropical disease
NTD
Onchocerca volvulus
sub-Saharan Africa
Diseases
Health
Hygiene