The project brings hope to millions of people at risk from these diseases. It will ultimately contribute to poverty alleviation, increased productivity and improved quality of life for the affected people in the Region," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Over the past two decades, countries in the Region have through the APOC programme made progress in tackling onchocerciasis. Through large-scale administration of ivermectin using community distributors, the APOC significantly contributed to the reduction of onchocerciasis in the Region.