African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (/APOC)

The African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) is an international initiative aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, in Africa. This disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies, leading to severe skin issues and vision loss. APOC works by providing community-wide distribution of ivermectin, a medication that kills the worms and prevents disease transmission. The program also supports surveillance, health education, and community engagement to sustain progress toward a world free of river blindness.