Researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have raised concerns that over 43 million Nigerians are still at risk of contracting river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis.
River blindness is a disease caused by a parasite (Onchocerca volvulus) spread by the bite of black flies that breed around fast-moving rivers, especially in rural areas. It can lead to severe skin problems and blindness if untreated.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 99% of infected people live in Africa and Yemen, with a small number also found on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. In 2023, the WHO said about 249.5 million people needed preventive treatment for the disease worldwide.
At a media briefing, a Director of Research at NIMR and a public health parasitologist, Dr Babatunde Adewale, said some Nigerian communities are still affected due to poor environmental conditions and insecurity, which make it hard for health workers to reach them.
He explained that ivermectin, the main drug used to treat the disease, is very effective in killing the parasite’s larvae, though it takes many years of regular treatment to fully stop the disease because adult worms can live and continue producing larvae for a long time.
“About 43 million Nigerians are at risk, and roughly 37 million have already been treated. Treatment has been going on for over 15 years. Some areas have even reduced treatment because transmission has been interrupted.” Dr. Adewale said.
He noted that states like Katsina, Nasarawa, Enugu, Anambra, Borno, and Abia have reached the stage where the disease is no longer spreading.
To confirm this progress, researchers are testing over 3,000 blood samples in each state. If less than 0.1% of people test positive, it means the disease is no longer being transmitted in that area.
“The national goal is to eliminate river blindness by 2030, and we are on the right track,” he added.
Dr. Adewale also said ivermectin remains highly effective. “Within six months of treatment, we often cannot find the parasite larvae in the skin anymore. If ivermectin is used consistently for 12 to 15 years, the disease can be eliminated,” he explained.
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Also speaking at the event, a medical sociologist and research fellow at NIMR, Adeniyi Adeleye, said local beliefs and misinformation are affecting efforts to fight river blindness.
“In many rural areas, people don’t believe the disease is caused by blackfly bites. Some think it is the result of witchcraft or a punishment from God,” he said.
These beliefs, he warned, make people reject medical treatment. “If we don’t deal with these cultural issues, even the best treatments and innovations may not work,” he said.
Both experts stressed the need for continued treatment, public awareness, and community education to fully eliminate river blindness in Nigeria.
