A recent WHO study published in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases shows that Mectizan mass treatment for onchocerciasis is no longer needed in areas of Mali and Senegal where treatment has been ongoing for 15-17 years. The multi-country study showed that treatment with ivermectin stopped further infections and transmission in 3 specific areas in Africa where the disease has existed continuously (an endemic area).

Transmission of the disease in those areas has been reduced to the point that the elimination of onchocerciasis (river blindness) is feasible.

"This evidence is an historic milestone -- it has far-reaching implications for the fight against this disease. Prior to this study we did not know if we would ever be able to stop treatment," says Uche Amazigo, the Director of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC).

More information:

Mectizan Donation Program website

Press Release: Elimination of river blindness feasible 

Feasibility of Onchocerciasis Elimination with Ivermectin Treatment in Endemic Foci in Africa: First Evidence from Studies in Mali and Senegal

Press Release: Merck & Co., Inc.