Context
- Niger has been officially declared by its government and verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.
- This achievement marks a significant public health milestone in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa.
What is Onchocerciasis?
- Cause: Parasitic infection by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus.
- Transmission: By infected Simulium blackflies, which breed near fast-flowing rivers and streams.
- Endemic Regions: Over 99% of cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen; small pockets exist in Brazil–Venezuela border.
- Significance: Second leading infectious cause of blindness, after trachoma.
Key Features
1Pathology
oChronic infection with microfilariae causes intense inflammation.
oLeads to severe itching, disfiguring skin changes (“leopard skin”), and progressive eye damage.
oAdult worms live 10–15 years, necessitating long-term treatment.
2Symptoms
oSkin: Itching, rashes, thickening, depigmentation
oEyes: Lesions, impaired vision, potential permanent blindness
oNodules: Firm subcutaneous lumps containing adult worms
oChildren: Early infection linked to epilepsy in some regions
3Community Impact
oBlindness and disfigurement reduce productivity, increase poverty risk, and affect quality of life.
Treatment
- Ivermectin (Mectizan):
- Administered once or twice yearly for 10–15 years to interrupt transmission.
- Mass drug administration and vector control programs are crucial for elimination.
Significance of Niger’s Achievement
- Public Health Milestone: First African country to eliminate river blindness.
- Global NTD Goals: Supports WHO’s neglected tropical disease roadmap.
- Model for Other Endemic Countries: Demonstrates effectiveness of mass drug administration, community engagement, and surveillance.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
