LND topic: onchocerciasis page 1

onchocerciasis

Fighting River Blindness: A Closer Look at Cameroon's Struggle

December 23, 2025

In Cameroon's Massangam Health District, a battle against river blindness is ongoing. This disease, caused by a parasite, is spread by blackflies that thrive in fast-flowing rivers. The parasite can cause skin issues and even blindness. In some parts of Africa, the disease has been eliminated, but i

health

Pregnancy and Parasites: A Hidden Problem in South Sudan

February 5, 2025

Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but in South Sudan, it could also be a hidden danger zone for an unusual threat. Onchocerciasis is a disease that can be a big problem in some parts of Africa. South Sudan is one of the worst affected countries. Imagine a tiny parasite called O

health

The Battle Against River Blindness in Africa

January 25, 2025

River blindness, also known as onchocerciasis, is a major health concern in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to eliminate this neglected tropical disease (NTD) by 2030. More than 99% of people infected live in 31 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. The goal here is to ex

health

Why Isn't Onchocerciasis A Big Blindness Issue In These Two Sierra Leone Villages?

January 19, 2025

In Sierra Leone, onchocerciasis is a big worry in 14 out of its 16 districts. But two villages in Tonkolili district, Mangobo and Petifu, haven't seen much blindness from this disease. This raised eyebrows because, since 2005, these villages have had 17 rounds of annual treatments with ivermectin, a