Process by which decisions are made involving the African Government and how the political aspects contribute to Onchocerciasis.

At the height of the onchocerciasis endemic, blindness affected up to 50% of adults in some areas. This caused people to abandon fertile river valleys in fear of contracting the disease. Since these valleys were the best place for farms when people refused to live and farm there poverty and famine increased. In the 1970’s, economic losses were estimated at US$30 million, and onchocerciasis became a major obstacle to socioeconomic development. This is ultimately what caused governments to try to stop this problem. (World Health Organization. 2016b)

 

Since it is not fatal, in poor countries it is often low on the list of health problem. When AIDS, TB, and cholera are killing people everyday governments just cannot justify putting money into fighting a nonfatal disease.