Emergency designation highlights a regional epidemic

The Assembly-backed strategy called for quality assurance, safety, proper use and regulation rather than blanket endorsement of treatments.

Assessing whether traditional and complementary practices work was explicitly among the strategy’s stated aims.

WHO announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after emergency committee advice.

The declaration called for international assistance to affected West African countries.

The response depended on local caregivers, safe care and contact tracing amid serious risks.

WHO verified that Ecuador had eliminated transmission of human onchocerciasis.

Repeated ivermectin distribution and surveillance supported elimination.

Ecuador became the second country verified free of river blindness after Colombia.

The announcement recognized interrupted transmission, with monitoring still relevant.

WHO reports President Boni Yayi addressing the regional committee on this date during a debate on stronger health systems.