U.S. aid cuts pose a threat to the availability of donated drugs crucial in fighting neglected diseases such as river blindness, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
(Image credit: River blindness treatment. Ivermectin and Vitamin A being distributed as part of a mass drug administration program to treat river blindness, or onchocerciasis. River blindness is caused by the larvae of the parasitic roundworm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted to humans via Simulium sp. black fly bites. The larvae develop into adults in the skin, causing nodules. The adults breed and produce larvae that spread throughout the body, including the eyes. Larvae death triggers inflammation, leading to blindness. Infected black flies can spread the disease by biting. Ivermectin treatment kills larvae and prevents new larvae release by females, breaking the infection cycle. Larvae absorb vitamin A from the host, potentially causing deficiency. Photographed in Kabale, Uganda)
