Cet article d’actualité est disponible uniquement en anglaise.

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates the Republic of Niger for achieving a historic milestone by meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the elimination of onchocerciasis as a public health problem. This achievement makes Niger the first country in Africa to eliminate the disease, marking a major milestone in the continent’s progress in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

As Africa progressively grows its momentum in NTD control and elimination, with 22 African countries having eliminated at least one NTD as of 2024, Niger’s success offers even more reason to celebrate. The country has demonstrated its leadership in disease elimination, having previously received WHO certification for the elimination of Guinea-worm disease in 2013.

Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease and the second leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, after trachoma. It is transmitted through the bites of infected black flies that breed in fast flowing rivers, primarily affecting rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Niger first achieved control of onchocerciasis in 2021 and subsequently submitted its elimination dossier to WHO. Today’s success in receiving official validation is the result of years of dedicated effort by the Government of Niger.

The country has implemented integrated NTD programmes that address multiple diseases simultaneously, for example by running Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns that target several NTDs at once. This is line with the Africa Continental Framework and the Common Position on NTDs which emphasises the need for integrated and coordinated efforts to address these significant health issues.

In addition, the country has embraced community-based health interventions, leveraging local knowledge and participation, with community health workers playing a critical role in education, prevention and treatment efforts. The country has also built strong partnerships with international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and research institutions, consolidating resources to strengthen its control and elimination efforts.

With its sights set on eliminating trachoma and lymphatic filariasis by 2030, Niger has put in place a robust strategic framework to guide its elimination efforts. This includes the adoption of the NTD scorecard tool for accountability and action, launched in 2019 by former President H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou. Additionally, the country has integrated NTDs into its Health and Social Development Plan (2022-2026), ensuring the integration of NTDs into broader health priorities to ensure access to quality healthcare. The country has also developed a new NTD Master Plan (2022-2026) and a national advocacy plan (2022-2025) to sustain momentum.

Like many countries in Africa, Niger is endemic to almost three- quarters of the 21 WHO recognised NTDs.  Nonetheless, the country’s success demonstrates the power of strong political commitment, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and sustained domestic investment in disease elimination. As the country continues to build on its progress, its journey serves as a model for other African nations, inspiring them to Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs.