(New York Times) – Onchocerciasis is one of 21 afflictions, most of them treatable and preventable, that the World Health Organization classifies as neglected tropical diseases. Together, they affect more than a billion people, but because many are among the poorest people in the least developed places, these diseases have historically received little funding, research or attention.

While they are rarely fatal, these diseases exact a huge toll in human suffering, including pain, disfigurement and disabilities such as blindness. They are sometimes called “biblical” because they have plagued humans for so long that they are mentioned in ancient texts.

The United States was a major funder of a 20-year effort to finally wipe them out. That money vanished a year ago when the Trump administration dismantled much of U.S. foreign assistance. (Read More)