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River Blindness

• Onchocerciasis, also known as River Blindness, is a major health problem in the developing world
• It is carried by the black simulium fly which transmits tiny parasitic worms into its victim when it bites them
• There are approximately 18 million people infected with River Blindness
• In 2008, CBM distributed over 5,000,000 doses of Mectizan, which prevents blindness from the parasite and helps relieve the painful symptoms

What Causes River Blindness?

River Blindness is particularly prevalent in African countries where people  travel to the local rivers for water. It is here that the parasitic nematode worms are transmitted to humans through the bite of the Simulium (black) Fly.  These worms, which can live in the human body for around 15 years, then migrate to the eye where they cause irreparable damage to the cornea and optic nerve.

The infection can be treated, but once the blindness occurs, it is irreversible.

How CBM helps

CBM has partnered with Merck & Co., Inc. to distribute a drug called Mectizan®, which stops River Blindness. Although the Mectizan® is donated by Merck, it costs an average of 75 cents to get one sight-saving dose into the hands of each infected person.  Mectizan® kills the off-spring of the adult worms and slows down their reproduction rate. This results in fewer worms reaching the eyes and the chance of becoming blind is reduced.

Reaching everyone in need of Mectizan is often very difficult and, at times, dangerous. Projects are often located in remote rural areas.

How You Can Help A treatment regiment of Mectizan helps prevent river blindness I would like to help CBM provide people with disabilities with health, hope, strength and independence.

A Sample of Related CBM Projects

• The Golden Key Project
• Low Vision Programme Chihuahua
• S.D.A. Hospital Eye Care Centre
• COALIVI Programa de Extensión/Centro de Salud Visual

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