Blog WHO progress report: Wondering how far we’ve come in tackling onchocerciasis?

After decades of effort, the world now stands at a pivotal moment. Onchocerciasis—once affecting millions and leading to severe skin disease, epilepsy, and irreversible blindness—has been pushed back through sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and national leadership. Although more than 250 million people still required preventive treatment in 2024, with over 99% of cases in Africa, recent progress shows that global elimination is within reach. The latest milestones provide compelling evidence that current strategies are working and that ending this ancient disease is a realistic and achievable goal.