Uganda calls for cross-border surveillance to eliminate river blindness by 2030

Uganda on Tuesday called for strengthened cross-border surveillance and collaboration with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan to eliminate river blindness by 2030.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Health said stronger cross-border collaboration was needed to address potential transmission risks if Uganda is to achieve its goal of eliminating the disease.

The Ministry said a recent meeting of the country’s river blindness experts noted that continued transmission in neighbouring endemic areas, coupled with population movements across borders, remains an important consideration in sustaining Uganda’s elimination gains.

The statement said the Ministry, together with relevant authorities, including the UN Refugee Agency, has integrated refugee settlements into the national river blindness treatment program.

“Through strengthened surveillance, continued treatment where necessary, comprehensive vector monitoring, and close cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries, Uganda remains committed to protecting communities from the debilitating effects of river blindness and achieving its national elimination goal by 2030,” the statement said.

Uganda has made remarkable progress in eliminating the disease, with 15 of the country’s 17 original transmission foci having eliminated transmission and currently undergoing post-elimination surveillance, the Ministry said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis, is transmitted to humans through repeated bites from infected black flies that breed in fast-flowing rivers.

Symptoms include severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions and visual impairment, which can lead to permanent blindness.