In a landmark achievement in global health, Niger has become the first African nation and the fifth country worldwide to eradicate river blindness (onchocerciasis).
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a disease that causes skin and eye problems. It's caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.
The announcement, made Thursday by Niger's Minister of Public Health, was immediately confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which lauded Niger's sustained commitment over the past 15 years, according to Xinhua.
The WHO's Director-General celebrated the victory as proof that elimination of neglected tropical diseases is possible, offering hope to nations still battling the debilitating illness. This success follows Niger's earlier elimination of Guinea worm disease in 2013.