Pointing Fingers Is Not Going To Solve Our Problems Nov 12, 2009
There was a time in the western region where a village was provided with a borehole in an attempt to stop the rampant recurrence of river blindness in the area. It came out that the chiefs and people of the area prefer the contaminated and bacteria ridden water from the river than the borehole simply because it did not taste nice. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
DNA Barcodes: Creative New Uses Span Health, Fraud, Smuggling, History, More Nov 12, 2009
Black flies of Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, some of which spread river blindness disease. The 70 species barcoded to date represent about 20% of those known to science plus three previously unrecognized species. (Science Daily)
Drug Eliminates Parasite That Causes Babesiosis In Horses Oct 7, 2009
16, 2006) Veterinary scientists in Liverpool have found that some African cattle have natural immunity to a parasite, similar to that which causes River Blindness in. . (Science Daily)
African Cattle To Be Protected From Killer Disease Oct 6, 2009
5, 2009) Millions of African families could be saved from destitution thanks to a much-needed vaccine that is being mass-produced in a drive to protect cattle against a deadly parasite. East Coast fever is a tick-transmitted disease that kills one cow every 30 seconds with one million a year dying of the disease. (Science Daily)
Bui Dam under threat Sep 23, 2009
Mr. Tufour noted that previous administration launched anti Oncho flies programme aimed at eradicating the insects that causes river blindness in the area but wonder why this government should not sustain it since all the workers and machines for exercise are still there. He continued that the workers who were engaged in the exercise during the Oncho spraying are now walking and parading their various localities idly while their spraying machines have been parked. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Give us some good reasons to support health plan Sep 22, 2009
Though I did not vote for him, I now have the deepest respect for his convinctions and his integrity and I contribute to the Carter Center which fights the Guinea worm and saved 77,000,000 from that dreaded infestation, 15,000,000 people from River Blindness, monitored 76 elections in allowing 592,000,000 people to participate in a free and fair election, in countries like Haiti and even North Korea. Jimmy Carter continues to wage peace in the world and build home among the most impoverished... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Latimer the Liberator? Sep 21, 2009
"President Reagan was the first to hold a public ceremony marking Captive Nations Week. But George W. Bush s concept of captive nations apparently had nothing to do with freedom from slavery.Assigned to write a Captive Nations Week speech for Bush, Latimer relates how White House staffers Ed Gillespie and Barry Jackson were on a different frequency than Reagan or Latimer: they were tuned precisely to the Bush channel. This from Speech-less:Traditionally Captive Nations Week was marked to... (Human Events Online)
Uganda: Deadly Flies Attack Eastern Region Aug 25, 2009
Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, says that the black fly is central to the transmission of the parasitic nematode Onchocerca volvulus, which causes river blindness. According to Wikipedia, most black flies gain nourishment by feeding on the blood of other animals, although the males feed mainly on nectar. (allAfrica.com)
Sudan: South At Risk From Blindness Aug 18, 2009
The Director of Eye Health at South Sudan's health ministry, Ali Yousif Ngor, oversees the South Sudan part of an Africa-wide attempt to combat river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis (O.V) ... River blindness is prevented by widely dosing communities in affected areas with a drug called ivermectin ... The Carter Centre, an American non-profit that has trained surgeons to do trachoma surgery in rural areas, says that in Sudan some 5 million people could be at risk from river blindness. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Scientist Cautions Against River Blindness Breakthrough Aug 16, 2009
com: Africa: Scientist Cautions Against River Blindness Breakthrough (Page 1 of 1) ... Africa: Scientist Cautions Against River Blindness Breakthrough ... Claims of a "major breakthrough" in the battle to eliminate river blindness need to be treated with caution, according to a specialist. (allAfrica.com)
UGANDA: Nodding disease could be "non-epileptic disorder" Aug 12, 2009
Onchocerciasis is often called river blindness. Q: Why is it reported so much among children - could it mean that those afflicted die before adulthood. (AlertNet)
Uganda: Nodding Disease Or 'River Epilepsy'? Aug 11, 2009
A likely cause of the disease is a neurological effect of the parasitic worm that causes Onchocerciasis (river blindness) ... River blindness is transmitted by blackflies infected by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus ... In June 2009, a review of studies in eight African countries, including Uganda, looked at the statistical links between river blindness and epilepsy and found that for every 10 percent increase in the prevalence of Onchocerciasis, epilepsy rates go up 0. (allAfrica.com)
Anti-Retroviral centre inaugurated in Sunyani Aug 6, 2009
New Abirem, Aug. 5, GNA - Hordes of blackflies which are known to cause onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, have invaded both the Birim North and Akyemansa Districts of the Eastern Region. Mr. Tei Djangmah, Birim North District Director of Health Services, made this known at New Abirem during the General Meeting of the Birim North District Assembly. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Black flies invade Birim North and Akyemmansa Districts Jul 25, 2009
New Abirem, July 24, GNA - Large numbers of black flies, which cause river blindness, have invaded the Birim North and Akyemmansa Districts of the Eastern Region where the Pra, Nwi and Mama rivers overflowed their banks following heavy downpours in the area recently. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has begun distributing preventive drugs to all residents who are above age five, and who are up to 90 Centimetres tall, free of charge as a preventive measure against the river blindness disease. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
River blindness 'can be beaten' Jul 22, 2009
River blindness 'can be beaten. About 37 million people are affected by river blindness ... A study by the UN's health body has shown that the disease onchocerciasis - also known as river blindness - could be wiped out using drugs. (BBC News -- Africa)
Study shows elimination of river blindness feasibleGeneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The first evidence that onchocerciasis (river blindness) elimination is feasible with ivermectin treatmentwas published Tuesday in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, according to a statement from the World HealthOrganisation (WHO). 21/07/2009 Full Text... Jul 21, 2009
Study shows elimination of river blindness feasible. Study shows elimination of river blindness feasible ... Onchocerciasis, called river blindness because the blackfly which transmits the disease breeds in rivers; often blinds people, as well as causing debilitating skin disease. (Panapress.com)
Chad denies bombing SudanEU, AU urged to mediate in Chad-Sudan crisisSenior UN official discusses arms smuggling with Darfur governorsSouth African govt urged to take stand on Al-Bashir Kenya offers military bases to train Somali troopsUN envoy hails Somali troops' victory over IslamistsEgypt shoots dead two Somalis on Israel borderKenya's Kibaki appeals for AU intervention in Somalia Kabila dismisses about 100 civil magistrates in DRCRwanda, DRC to strengthen military cooperationKinshasa fingers 3 companies over Congo River pollutionBelgium worried by outbreak of violence in DRC Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE CDI: Maximizing the benefits of a successful regional heath initiativeOuagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The world of public health is in continual motion especially with the global health community battlingmultiple crises, including the burden of emergent and resurgent diseases, the consequences of climate change and the global economic slowdown. 21/07/2009 Full Text... Jul 21, 2009
Similarly, inadequate health education, prevention and disease-control strategies keep millions of people at risk of contracting otherwise preventable diseases such as malaria and river blindness, even when tools to bring these diseases under control are available ... The Phase I Onchocerciasis (river blindness) Control Programme (OCP), which was launched in the early 1970s, effectively brought this disabling and blinding disease under control in 11 West African countries ... Through the... (Panapress.com)
Obama Advised Against Shaking Hands with Rawlings and Kufuor Jul 9, 2009
The "Royal Politician" whose very biological ancestors from Bamang, near the Kente weaving Town of Bonwire in the Ashanti Region of Ghana fearlessly led Asante wars against Colonialism and Imperialism perpetuated on African soil by "Our White British Brothers and Sisters" publicly told Ghanaians that "Our Ewe Brothers and Sisters are 100% [innocent] of Rawlings evil deeds of firing squads just as Asantes are 100% [innocent] of Kufuor's evil deeds of selfishness. [IN YET, ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT],... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
WHO introduces new drug for river blindness Jul 4, 2009
Accra, July 3, GNA - A clinical trial to introduce a new drug to eliminate river blindness has been launch by the World Health Organization (WHO) in three African countries. The drug is called Moxidectine, which is being investigated for its potential to kill or sterilize adult worms of Onchocerca Volvulus, which causes river blindness ... The statement said the disease had been controlled by Invermectine, which was donated by the Pharmaceutical Merck Company to river blindness endemic... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Africa: River Blindness Drug Trial Launched Jul 2, 2009
com: Africa: River Blindness Drug Trial Launched (Page 1 of 1). Africa: River Blindness Drug Trial Launched ... Dakar Researchers are launching a clinical trial with 1,500 people infected with onchocerciasis (river blindness) in Liberia, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo to test a remedy that could help stop transmission, according to drug manufacturer Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and the World Health Organization (WHO). (allAfrica.com)
Letter: Emergency request to join Obama's team to Ghana Jun 27, 2009
As the Founder of Council on Africans and Americans Relations, (a registered Non-Profit Organization committed to strengthening ties between Africans and Americans and promoting Trade and Investments between United States of America and African Countries) and moreover, as a Volunteer and Precinct Captain for your 2008 Presidential Campaign in Los Angeles and Long Beach respectively and furthermore, as the first Ghanaian-American to (symbolically) run for Mayor of Los Angeles in 1993; former... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Jack Krage: Noon Lions broom sale a huge success Jun 22, 2009
The Lions support the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, Leader Dogs for the Blind, collection and distribution of eyeglasses, glaucoma screenings, vaccinations for the control of river blindness and many more sight-related projects, such supplying eye tests and glasses for those in our area who are unable to afford such care. Helen Keller challenged the Lions to be the Knights of the Blind, and we are proud to continue the mission. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Health aid doesn't always help poor Jun 20, 2009
Disease elimination programs, such as for polio and river blindness, are making good progress. Guardian News & Media. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
The worm turns Jun 19, 2009
Mass action beating river blindness ... Over a period spanning more than a decade, more than 600,000 community distributors have joined the campaign to eradicate the scourge of river blindness across sub-Saharan Africa, and drugs to prevent the disease have been distributed to over 54 million people ... River blindness, or onchocerciasis, is caused by a parasite that is spread from human to human by the black fly, which once flourished along river beds where there is fast-flowing water. (BBC News -- Africa)
Abuja meeting to discuss community involvement in health service deliveryOuagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - Health experts, including deans of Facultiesof Medicine and Health Sciences from 12 Africancountries, will meet in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, 9-11 June 2009 to discuss theuse of the Community-Directed Intervention (CDI) strategy inpublic health service delivery. 04/06/2009 Full Text... Jun 5, 2009
The meeting, being co-sponsored by the Ministries of Health and Education of Nig eria and the country's National Universities Commission with World Health Organization African Programme for River Blindness (Onchocerciasis) Control (WHO /APOC), will also discuss plans to introduce the strategy into the curriculum of nursing and medical schools across the continent ... strategy to be effective in the delivery of multiple health interventions, inclu ding distribution of for the treatment of river... (Panapress.com)
June 4th was Pigs Revolution - Kwame Mayor Jun 4, 2009
Meanwhile, pleading with America and Ghana Business Groups, Charities and the White House to sponsor a group of Native American Tribal Chiefs he plans to invite to Ghana to meet Ghanaian Chiefs from [all] Ethnic and Tribal groups for the sake of promoting and strenghtening Cultural and Diplomatic ties between USA and Ghana to coincide with the visit of President Barack Obama to Ghana, and [still] lobbying the White House to accompany President Barack Obama's impending historical trip ---... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
West Africa: River Blindness Fly Makes Tasty Meal for Midges May 15, 2009
com: West Africa: River Blindness Fly Makes Tasty Meal for Midges (Page 1 of 1) ... West Africa: River Blindness Fly Makes Tasty Meal for Midges ... Accra Scientists in Cameroon and Ghana have identified the first potential biological agent that could be used against the parasites that cause river blindness (onchocerciasis). (allAfrica.com)
Australian eye specialist to be honoured Apr 29, 2009
His career has focused primarily on public health aspects of eye disease, including initiatives to treat trachoma and river blindness in developing countries. Prof Taylor is also vice-president of a global body of non-government and professional groups, which is working to rid the world's poorest nations of preventable blindness by 2020. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
National Geographic photographer to give whale presentation Apr 28, 2009
Wallen created " A Gift of Sight," a sculpture for the River Blindness Foundation as part of an effort to wipe out river blindness, a parasitic disease that affects 17. 7 million people worldwide, most of them in Africa. (Juneau Empire)
'Magic Potion' In Fly Spit May Shoo Away Blinding Eye Disease Apr 14, 2009
13, 2009) Researchers are reporting the first identification of a "magic potion" of proteins in the saliva of the black fly that help this blood-sucking pest spread parasites that cause "river blindness," a devastating eye-disease ... A better understanding of these proteins may lead to better drugs and a vaccine for river blindness and other diseases spread by biting insects ... Also known as onchocerciasis, river blindness affects more than 17 million people worldwide, particularly in rural... (Science Daily)
Milestone Toward Ending River Blindness In The Western Hemisphere By 2012 Apr 7, 2009
7, 2009) An international team of researchers led by Rodrigo Gonzalez of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala reports that the transmission of onchocerciasis or river blindness has been broken in Escuintla, Guatemala, one of the largest endemic areas in the Western Hemisphere to date to stop the transmission of the parasitic disease ... Escuintla is now the second of four Guatemalan areas to have stopped the transmission of river blindness ... "In a few short years with continued hard work and... (Science Daily)
Carter Center makes strides against river blindness Apr 1, 2009
An international team of researchers announced Monday that workers from the Carter Center, along with other partners, have stopped transmission of river blindness in Escuintla, a zone in south Guatemala. In a few short years, with continued hard work and increased political will, river blindness will never threaten the Americas again, said Dr. Frank O. Richards of the Carter Center ... The center is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies to eradicate river... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Big pharma's big precedent Mar 13, 2009
While pharmaceutical companies have funded similar initiatives on a limited basis - Merck has just helped 100 million people access a treatment for river blindness - this is the first systematic policy change by a big pharma company on this scale. It sets a powerful precedent. (Globe and Mail)
Sacramento Red Cross appoints exec Feb 13, 2009
Before that, he served as executive director of the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas, a river blindness prevention program. He also has worked with Save the Children. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
