Why this research matters
Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected blackflies. Long-running control programmes have made progress, yet elimination remains a complex public-health challenge.
In this RSD interview, Prof. Ghogomu examines transmission, treatment programmes, funding constraints and the socioeconomic conditions that influence whether interventions reach communities effectively.
The episode shows how laboratory knowledge, public-health systems and community participation must work together when a disease is to be eliminated rather than simply controlled.
Key takeaways
- Disease elimination combines biomedical tools with sustained community programmes.
- Funding and access can determine whether proven interventions achieve their potential.
- Local knowledge and participation are essential to long-term public-health progress.