Parasitic Worm May Be More Widespread Than Previously Thought Mar 22, 2008
5, 2000) CSIRO research into controlling worms in sheep is in the frontline contributing to the battle against the devastating human disease, river blindness. . (Science Daily)
Meeting Ghana's First Female Scientist - Dr Letitia Obeng Mar 20, 2008
For her thesis, Dr Obeng investigated into the life cycle of the Simulium fly popularly called the black fly, which transmitted the worm that caused onchocerciasis or river blindness. This made her the first Ghanaian female to obtain a PhD in Simuliidae from the Liverpool University in the United Kingdom Letitia's love for water and the environment is amply demonstrated without one being told as soon as one entered her compound and her living room. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
WHO Boosts Nigeria's Anti-River Blindness Drive Mar 1, 2008
TO check River Blindness (Onchoceriasis) in Nigeria, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) African Programme for Onchoceriasis Control (APOC) has donated 12 Toyota Hilux Double Cabin vehicles to 11 states and the National Onchoceriasis Control Programme (NOCP) ... River blindness is a parasitic disease transmitted by a bite from a black fly ... Grange said the FMOH was mapping out strategies for effective integration of programmes on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like river blindness so... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
President Bush Discusses Trip to Africa at Leon H. Sullivan Foundation Feb 27, 2008
After the meeting, I added a new element to our partnership -- a $350 million initiative to target neglected tropical diseases like river blindness and hookworm across the globe. Needless to say, the President really welcomed this announcement. (White House News Releases)
USAID Fights Neglected Tropical Diseases Feb 23, 2008
The initiative will build on U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) investments in NTDs control and will target seven major diseases: lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); schistosomiasis (snail fever); trachoma (eye infection); onchocerciasis (river blindness); and three soil-transmitted helminthes (hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm). Approximately one billion people, mostly in the developing world, suffer from one or more NTDs. (PR Newswire)
Cuba grants scholarship to 20 Ghanaian medical students Feb 22, 2008
He said the Institute had been listed to participate in the treatment of people suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases such as river blindness and sleeping sickness. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Bush ends five-nation Africa tour Feb 22, 2008
On Wednesday in Ghana, Mr Bush announced a new $350m (180m) five-year plan to fight what he described as "neglected tropical diseases" such as hookworm or river blindness across Africa. He also noted that the US had pledged $17m (8. (BBC News -- Africa)
Bush: No new Africa bases Feb 21, 2008
"Before the trip, U.S. officials offered veiled criticism of China, suggesting it looked at Africa as solely a commercial opportunity while the U.S. is interested in helping the continent's people."Too many nations continue to follow either the paternalistic notion that treats African countries as charity cases, or a model of exploitation that seeks only to buy up their resources," Bush said in a pre-trip speech.Click for related content Neglected diseasesBush also announced an effort to... (MSNBC -- International)
US 'is not seeking African bases' Feb 21, 2008
8m) to help the Ghanaian government in the fight against malaria, and a $350m (180m) five-year plan to fight what he described as "neglected tropical diseases" such as hookworm or river blindness. PRESIDENT BUSH'S ITINERARY. (BBC News -- Americas)
Africa: Bush Explains Focus of Africa Military Command Feb 21, 2008
Bush also announced a $350 million initiative over five years to target neglected tropical diseases such as hookworm and river blindness. "This is all part of our initiative -- whether it be on HIV/AIDS or malaria -- to help save lives," he said. (AllAfrica.com)
President Bush Participates in Press Availability with President Kufuor of Ghana Feb 21, 2008
I do want to announce today that -- I am announcing a new initiative dealing with disease, and that is, our plan is to make it available a total of $350 million over five years, to target what they call Neglected Tropical Diseases, such as hookworm or river blindness. This is all part of our initiative -- whether it be on HIV/AIDS or malaria, to help save lives. (White House News Releases)
President Bush and President Kufuor Exchange Toasts Feb 21, 2008
This was to fight neglected tropical diseases, including river blindness. Again, you announced the further donation of $17 million to be invested in the control of malaria annually for three consecutive years. (White House News Releases)
In Africa, Bush denies intent to build bases Feb 21, 2008
With Kufuor by his side, Bush announced he would make available $350 million over five years to provide treatment for tropical diseases such as river blindness, hookworm and schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever. Many health experts say such tropical diseases have been neglected amid the focus on AIDS and malaria. (International Herald Tribune)
Fact Sheet: Fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases Around The World Feb 20, 2008
This Initiative will make a total of $350 million available over five years to provide integrated treatment of more than 300 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and target seven major NTDs: lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); schistosomiasis (snail fever); trachoma (eye infection); onchocerciasis (river blindness); and three soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs hookworm, roundworm, whipworm). This investment increases the United States' commitment to NTDs from $15 million in 2008 to... (White House News Releases)
Bush: U.S. Not Adding Bases In Africa Feb 20, 2008
Mr. Bush also announced an effort to combat neglected tropical diseases, with $350 million to be made available over five years to target seven major diseases: elephantiasis, snail fever, eye infections, river blindness, hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm. The initiative aims to help more than 300 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. (CBS News -- World)
The Rwanda Cure Feb 15, 2008
Merck (nyse: - - )'s 20-year-program to donate its antiparasitic ivermectin has helped treat 530 million cases of onchocerciasis (river blindness), spread by black flies in some parts of Africa; it has prevented 40,000 cases of blindness per year. Cases of Guinea worm, a parasite that slowly burns through the skin, are down from 3. (Forbes)
River Blindness Parasite Shows Signs Of Resistance To Only Effective Drug Feb 2, 2008
Infected subjects suffer not only from severe skin lesions but also eye damage that can lead to irreversible loss of sight, hence the name 'river blindness ... Nevertheless, for many years to come, ivermectin could well remain the sole drug applicable for mass treatment in measures to control river blindness ... larva, or black fly, is a vector of the disease, onchocerciasis, or river blindness. (Science Daily)
Drug cocktail could help parasite victims: study Jan 23, 2008
Merck & Co developed ivermectin, or Mectizan, also used to treat river blindness. Merck also sells praziquantel as Cesol. (Scientific American)
Poor Americans in the United States suffer hidden burden of parasitic and other neglected diseases Dec 26, 2007
Filarial infections, such as river blindness, elephantiasis, and African eyeworm comprised 0. 62% (271) of the 43,722 medical conditions reported to the GeoSentinel Network between 1995 and 2004. (EurekAlert!)
Neglected tropical diseases burden those overseas, but travelers also at risk Dec 26, 2007
The researchers found that filarial infections responsible for such diseases as onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and loiasis (African eyeworm illness) made up 271 (0 ... The most commonly acquired filarial infection (37 percent) was Onchocerca volvulus, the worm that causes river blindness. (EurekAlert!)
Cte d'Ivoire: River Blindness is Back Dec 25, 2007
com: Cte d'Ivoire: River Blindness is Back (Page 1 of 1) ... Cte d'Ivoire: River Blindness is Back ... The parasitic disease river blindness, once thought to have been eradicated from C te d'Ivoire, has re-emerged in some regions following years of armed conflict that wiped out mechanisms for surveillance and control, health officials say. (allAfrica.com)
African measles deaths fell 91 percent, WHO says Nov 30, 2007
WASHINGTON - In modern history, Africa has been the epicenter of pestilence, including malaria, river blindness, and the AIDS pandemic. But aggressive prevention campaigns in Africa over the past seven years have helped the continent shed the measles scourge, whose center has now shifted to South Asia. (Boston Globe)
Government assists people in honcho zones in Upper East Nov 30, 2007
Mr Asigre said prior to the donation of the items, a publicity campaign team was constituted to sensitize community members about the non-existence of onchocerciasis (river blindness) in the area. He commended government for the items and said it would enhance farming especially during dry season farming. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Parasitic Tropical Diseases In The Americas -- A Legacy Of Slavery -- Can Be Eliminated Nov 27, 2007
26, 2007) Although it has been speculated for more than a century that the slave trade was responsible for bringing many tropical diseases to the Americas, only recently has convincing evidence shown that lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness) originated in this way. See also. (Science Daily)
News : Iraqi girl recently given sight takes part in Thanksgiving dinner Nov 22, 2007
Over the past 16 years, Lions have given 202 million in grant funding for sight-related projects such as cataract surgeries, building eye hospitals and clinics, vision testing in preschool and elementary schools, distributing sight-saving medication to prevent river blindness and training eye care professionals. Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 1. (Forest Republican, WI)
Agbekeke Menye Nukunu Na Susuto o. Nov 4, 2007
It also speaks on behalf of our siblings in the Northern Regions many of whom have lost, and will lose, their vision to river blindness, because our leaders care less about their afflictions. Who speaks for the nations students who cannot acquire the requisite education needed for the competitive global economy, because our leaders do not see the need to institute the necessary education reform. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Omar: Commemorating Sankara Oct 27, 2007
Towards the end of 1986, a UN-assisted program brought river blindness under control. Thomas Sankara, a courageous proponent of self-reliant, self-directed Pan-African development, was assassinated in October 15, 1987, along with a dozen of his comrades. (Zmag.org)
The neglected continent of Africa Oct 16, 2007
It encourages pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs for sleeping sickness, river blindness, and other illnesses that afflict Africa but get little commercial attention because there's so little profit. In return, participating companies get faster Food and Drug Administration assessment of more lucrative drugs. (Boston Globe)
Government updates flood statistics Sep 29, 2007
"In addition we would be spraying the whole area and the water bodies to ensure that the people would be affected with diseases such as bilharzias and river blindness.". Boniface said the Ministry would dig some 2,000 boreholes for the people after the flood subsided. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Government rises to disaster challenges Sep 28, 2007
He said, "in addition we would be spraying the whole area and the water bodies to ensure that the people would be affected with diseases such as bilharzias and river blindness.". Alhaji Boniface said the Ministry would dig some 2000 boreholes for the people after the flood subsided. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Black flies invade Sissala East and Wa East Districts Sep 26, 2007
The flies are the carriers of germs that cause river blindness. Mr. Ali Kwabalugu, Assembly Member of the Banu Electoral Area, told the Ghana News Agency that people in his electoral area are battling the flies with smoke from fires they set. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Divergence receives $734,000 NIH grant Sep 25, 2007
Another filarial parasite-caused disease, onchocerciasis or river blindness, is a major cause of infectious blindness. "Filarial infections cause substantial human morbidity, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia," James McCarter, Divergence's president and chief scientific officer, said in a statement. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Genetic Code Of Parasitic Worm That Causes Elephantiasis Revealed Sep 22, 2007
The WHO also estimates that about half a million people around the world have lost their vision due to onchocerciasis, or river blindness, which is caused by another type of filarial parasite. "Filarial diseases are treatable, but the current treatments were discovered decades ago," says NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "There is an urgent need for new discoveries in this area because of the limitations of the current drugs, including toxicities and the development of resistance." The B.... (Science Daily)
More Problems For Flood Victims Sep 20, 2007
Bolgatanga -- THE predicament of people living in the flood-hit areas of the three northern regions has worsened with the influx of black flies, the tiny insects which cause river blindness or onchocerciasis, the multi-sectoral damage-assessment team from Accra has found. The black fly, locally called "behn" is currently common in the Upper East Region, especially in areas between the Red and White Volta Rivers along the Bolgatanga, Bawku road. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Southwest Riverside County Community News Briefs: Society hosts annual Genealogy and History Fair Sep 19, 2007
Proceeds benefit the Lions Club International Fund's Sight First Program, which assists impoverished patients suffering from river blindness and other maladies in Third World countries. The center is at 30875 Rancho Vista Road. (North County Times)
Zoomlion to rid Bui of Black flies Sep 10, 2007
He advised citizens of the area to take in more fruits so that their bodies could become resistant to the bite of the insects that caused swollen of parts of the body adding that the flies also caused river blindness. Mr. Gilbert Delly, official of the Secretariat, said onchocerciasis was detected in the 1980's in the country. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
River Blindness Parasite Becoming Resistant To Standard Treatment Sep 6, 2007
Ivermectin, the standard drug for treating river blindness (onchocerciasis), is causing genetic changes in the parasite that causes the disease, according to a new study by Roger Prichard (McGill University, Canada) and colleagues, published on August 30, 2007 in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ... larva, or black fly, is a vector of the disease, onchocerciasis, or river blindness ... Recent reports of patients failing to respond to ivermectin treatment have suggested... (Science Daily)
Winder mayor opts out and it's hard for supporters to let go Aug 31, 2007
Your Connection to the. " His fourth term as mayor will end this year, and he said he has no plans to qualify to run for a fifth term before today's 4:30 p.m. deadline. But for the people who have worked with and voted for Ouzts over the years, that's a hard line to swallow. "He'd win hands down if he ran again," City Administrator Bob Beck said Thursday. "We really won't be sure he won't until tomorrow. (Athens Banner-Herald)
River blindness 'curse' lifted Aug 20, 2007
The control of one of these diseases, onchocerciasis or river blindness, in West Africa is a true success story for a continent where reports of success stories are typically in short supply ... Humans don't die from river blindness but it extracts a large toll on subsistence villages where people are living on less than $1 per day ... A particularly unfortunate consequence of this disease has been the abandonment of affected river valleys, and their high agricultural productivity, because these... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
A new vision for America's security Jul 31, 2007
Over the past four decades, US assistance has helped millions of people feed their families; nearly eradicated river blindness and polio; helped Bosnia, Mozambique, and El Salvador rebound from civil war; and put hundreds of thousands of HIV/AIDS patients in Africa on lifesaving antiretroviral treatments. With nearly 45 percent of US exports going to developing countries, job creation and economic progress in those countries have a direct impact on our own economic well-being and security. (Boston Globe)
Madeleine Albright, Frank Carlucci and Foreign Policy Elites Urge Presidential Candidates to Offer New Visions of U.S. Global Leadership Jul 25, 2007
Over the past four decades, U.S. assistance has helped millions of people feed their families; nearly eradicated river blindness and polio; helped Bosnia, Mozambique and El Salvador rebound from civil war; and put hundreds of thousands of HIV/AIDS patients in Africa on life-saving anti- retroviral treatments. Through Impact '08, the Center for U.S. Global Engagement will be organizing foreign policy forums in a number of the early primary and key election states, engaging with candidates and... (PR Newswire)
Treating River Blindness Jul 10, 2007
The biggest obstacle in treating and controlling river blindness is that most infected people live in remote villages and other small communities in underdeveloped countries. The victims of O. volvulus are poor and have limited access to health care. (Suite101.com)
Exotic Diseases Jul 4, 2007
Sleeping Sickness, River Blindness and Guinea Worm Disease ... A drug called Invermectin is used to treat river blindness and it's given orally. (Suite101.com)
New Drug Resistance Found In River Blindness: Parasite Could Re-emerge As Major Scourge Jun 29, 2007
A 20-year effort to control the spread of onchocerciasis, or river blindness, in African communities is threatened by the development of drug resistance in the parasite that causes the disease, a study by McGill University researchers has found ... River blindness, which is the second-leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide after trachoma, is caused by the filarial nematode parasite, a worm transmitted by black fly bite. (Science Daily)
Drug-resistant river blindness spreading Jun 16, 2007
LONDON - The parasite that causes river blindness, a crippling disease endemic in Africa, may be developing resistance to the one drug used to treat it, according to research published Friday in The Lancet. The discovery could force public health officials to rethink strategies for controlling river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis ... 5 percent had the worms that cause river blindness. (MSNBC -- Health)
Extra 100,000 adults in poverty Jun 16, 2007
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Monday, 23 April 2007, 15:16 GMT 16:16 UK. (Yahoo News -- Poverty)
President allies win Algeria poll Jun 16, 2007
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Friday, 18 May 2007, 11:40 GMT 12:40 UK. (Yahoo News -- Algeria)
River blindness resistance fears Jun 15, 2007
River blindness is caused by infection with a parasitic worm. The parasitic worm that causes river blindness may be developing resistance to the drug used to treat it, research has suggested ... Ivermectin, used since the late 1980s, is the only drug available for the mass treatment of river blindness. (BBC News)
River blindness parasite resisting treatment Jun 15, 2007
CHICAGO (Reuters) - The parasite that causes river blindness appears to be developing resistance to the only drug widely available to treat it, researchers said on Thursday ... River blindness or onchocerciasis is an eye and skin disease caused by the filaria worm. (Scientific American)
Israeli universities unite against boycott Jun 15, 2007
For example, the ad will note that Ben-Gurion University of the Negev prevented millions in Africa and China from going blind or even dying by creating a biological control for mosquitoes and black flies that cause malaria and river blindness. The boycott, proposed by the University and College Union, would prohibit Israeli scholars from working at British universities, presenting their work at international conferences, engaging in cross-border research, and publishing their research in... (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Workshop on eyesight opens at Busua Jun 5, 2007
He said the region had appreciated the good work by World Health Organisation (WHO) and Sight Savers to reduce the prevalence of river blindness in the area. Mr Blay was optimistic that Operation Eyesight Universal would address other causes of blindness in the region such as cataract and glaucoma. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
W/R GHS to undertake mass drug administration Apr 26, 2007
Sekondi, April 25, GNA- The Western Regional branch of the Ghana Health Service is to undertake a mass drug administration for Onchocereciasis (River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) in districts endemic to the diseases in the region ... Dr. Vanotoo said Mectizan and Albendazole drugs would be administered in communities in the Aowin-Suaman, Jomoro, Nzema East, Ahanta West and the Mpohor Wassa East Districts as well as the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolis where elephantiasis and... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Brundidge Lions celebrate 56 years Apr 25, 2007
The monies raised have been used to address three immediate concerns cataracts, river blindness and tracoma ... River blindness is still a concern in Latin America but is being controlled in Africa. (Troy Messenger, AL)
WHO Developing Plan to Tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases Apr 20, 2007
A trusted source of newsand information since 1942. And, breaking barriers has been a long process of thinking, moving from 'I am in charge of leprosy' to 'I am in charge of neglected tropical disease of which leprosy is one of the diseases' is a big change in the way things are doing. (Voice of America)
Lions have their sights set on eliminating blindness Mar 12, 2007
SightFirst's efforts against river blindness have been particularly impressive, according to Toms. River blindness is caused by a worm that breeds in fast-flowing rivers and is the major cause of blindness in western and central Africa ... Since the distribution of 65 million treatments of Mectizan, donated by Merck, virtually no new cases of river blindness are being reported in areas with widespread treatment coverage and the disease could be eliminated by 2010. (Waynesboro Record Herald, PA)
Uganda: NRA Bush War Hero Writes Moving Story [book review] Feb 25, 2007
He highlights Col. Besigye's role during the struggle and how the doctor saved Museveni from river blindness, which threatened the guerrilla leader's eyesight. In the book, Kyaligonza concludes that the two former comrades failed to live through that special doctor-patient relationship because of "the agony of power". (allAfrica.com)
Corporate scorecards too simplistic Feb 21, 2007
Merck has been widely and appropriately applauded for its decision to develop, produce and distribute without charge the drug Mectizan, which prevents river blindness ... In measuring Merck's overall corporate virtue, how should we assess the millions of individuals saved from river blindness against the firm's belated response to the health risks of its highly profitable, bestselling drug. (Newsday -- Opinion)
Ex-U.S. President Carter urges better health training in Africa to combat disease Feb 12, 2007
Carter, who is on an 11-African nation tour, said problems such as malaria and river blindness which is caused by a worm that breeds in fast-flowing rivers are ravaging the continent. "More than 7 percent of Ethiopia's 77 million people are susceptible to river blindness," he told ministers and diplomats from several African nations ... Carter was scheduled to travel Tuesday to the western Ethiopian region of Jimma, where his organization is working to supply medication and materials to... (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Carter proposes health, education alliance against diseasesAddis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - For African nations to be able toeradicate most of the diseases endemic within the continent,alliances must be created between the health and educationministries, former US President Jimmy Carter suggested here Monday. 12/02/2007 Full Text... Feb 12, 2007
In addition, Carter said that ten zones of Ethiopia were endemic with river blindness (Onchocerciasis), which is caused by a parasitic worm and transmitted by blackflies. "The teaching of cleanliness and the supervision of basic washing is a very important element to keep children safe from infection with parasitic worms," said Carter whose Atlanta, Georgia-based charity -- The Crater Center -- partners in EPHTI.. (Panapress.com)
Ethiopia: Jimmy Carter Promotes African Health Needs Feb 10, 2007
While in Sudan, President Carter and Jimmy Ross, Lions Club International president, meet with the newest local Lions Club to encourage the group to take up the fight against river blindness and trachoma. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Malaria Strategic Document to be revised - Official Feb 3, 2007
Professor John Gyarpong, Head of the Health Research Unit of GHS, spoke on the neglected diseases like onchocerciasis, popularly known as river blindness, and Lymphatic Filariasis, which is Elephantiasis, were some of the diseases which attacked people but were not talked about. He said strategies had been put in place to scale up interventions and called for more human resource, infrastructure and logistics as well as funding from the Government to run programmes. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
New Milford To Be Beneficiary Of French Inventor's Dreams Jan 19, 2007
"Then, I finished my [Sc.D. degree in] physics. As soon as I finished my physics, Merck was looking for a physician and also a scientist. I didn't speak one word of English. They put me in an immersion course in English and I moved to the U.S. ... . "I was planning to go back to France to be a professor in a university, but I stayed here because I was fascinated by the extreme safety-the safety procedures at that time we had at Merck," which, he pointed out, was then the leading pharmaceuticals... (Litchfield County Times, CT)
Lions set sights on community Jan 11, 2007
Many programs are sponsored by them and administered through Lions Club International, who focus on helping cure vision-related defects and illness such as River blindness, an eye infection mainly seen in third world countries and easily cured with eyedrops. It is staggering to think of how many children have to go through life blind when it can be prevented,' Bradley said. (Camdenton Lake Sun Leader, MO)
Uganda: Organic Spray Passes Test Jan 3, 2007
BTI can also kill the black flies which spread river blindness. Uganda will be the first country in the world where the larvaecide will be used for spraying mosquitoes. (allAfrica.com)
