NYTIMES (Stephanie Nolen and Arlette Bashizi) - ‘Biblical Diseases’ Could Resurge in Africa, Health Officials Fear
Parasites and infections that cause blindness and other disabilities were nearly eliminated in some countries, but drug distribution to prevent and treat them was derailed in many places in 2025 after the U.S. cut aid.
AI:Health officials are warning of a potential resurgence of debilitating parasitic infections and "biblical diseases" across Africa, including river blindness, following significant cuts to USAID funding in 2025. These reductions in aid have derailed essential drug distribution programs that were previously on the verge of nearly eliminating these disfiguring conditions.Open