Story perspectives

Trump Cuts Aid, Threatening Fight Against River Blindness

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Vivien Sil Mabouang, head of health services in Cameroon, says rivers in the region breed black flies that transmit onchocerciasis, or river blindness.
U.S. President Donald Trump cut foreign aid, halting financial support for elimination programs.
Onchocerciasis is one of 21 neglected tropical diseases affecting over a billion people, primarily in impoverished areas.
The disease, while rarely fatal, causes pain and disabilities such as blindness.

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Story summary

Dr. Vivien Sil Mabouang, head of health services in Cameroon, says rivers in the region breed black flies that transmit onchocerciasis, or river blindness.
U.S. President Donald Trump cut foreign aid, halting financial support for elimination programs.
Onchocerciasis is one of 21 neglected tropical diseases affecting over a billion people, primarily in impoverished areas.
The disease, while rarely fatal, causes pain and disabilities such as blindness.