Rwanda combines prevention and early diagnosis

WHO confirmed elimination of onchocerciasis transmission in Niger.

Long-term treatment and surveillance helped stop transmission of river blindness.

Niger joined countries in the Americas that had already achieved WHO verification.

The WHO finding concerns transmission of onchocerciasis, not the end of all neglected diseases.

Mission 2027 set out a national strategy to expand HPV vaccination, screening and treatment.

Rwanda’s strategy included timely care for women with precancer or cancer.

The ministry announced its goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2027.

The 7 February report describes fexinidazole delivered to Malawi and Zimbabwe on 30 January.

Fexinidazole can treat the rhodesiense form of sleeping sickness in both stages in appropriate cases.

The newer medicine was introduced to reduce reliance on older treatments with serious risks.