On January 30, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Niger has been verified for eliminating the transmission of onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness.
MDP extends its congratulations to Niger for reaching this significant milestone. Millions of people will no longer suffer from the debilitating visual impairment and severe itching caused by river blindness. Niger is now the first country in Africa to eliminate transmission of the disease, an incredible accomplishment that was reached through vector control and annual mass distribution of Mectizan with sustained high treatment coverage.
“We are thrilled to learn that Niger has eliminated the transmission of river blindness,” said Dr. Allison Goldberg, president of the *Merck Foundation. “We celebrate this important accomplishment with the government and people of Niger, WHO, and the non-governmental organizations and donor community that helped make it possible. Merck is proud to deliver on our commitment to provide as much Mectizan as needed, for as long as needed. In doing so, we are improving the lives of individuals, families, communities, and health systems around the world.”
Dr. Yao Sodahlon, director of the Mectizan Donation Program, stated, “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. We applaud the commitment of the government of Niger and the supporting partners, as well as the community health workers whose dedication ensured that Mectizan reached the people who needed it.”
* Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA, is known as MSD outside the USA and Canada.