GONE

Facts for Prelims

GONE

News: Recently, the first meeting of the new Global Onchocerciasis Elimination Network (GONE) has been concluded aiming to strengthen collaboration among countries and partners.

About:
• The Global Onchocerciasis Network for Elimination (GONE) was officially launched in January 2023. It was established by the World Health Organization (WHO), its member states, and partners.
• The goal of GONE is to empower countries to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the roadmap targets for onchocerciasis elimination.

What is Onchocerciasis?
• Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is the second leading infectious cause of blindness after trachoma.
• It is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and can cause intense itching, rashes, skin discoloration, visual impairment, and eye disease leading to permanent blindness.
• The parasite is spread by the bites of infected black flies that breed in rapidly flowing rivers.

Role of GONE:
• GONE provides a platform for endemic countries, civil society organizations, and individuals to share experiences and challenges, identify gaps and best practices, and strengthen existing partnerships and integration along the path to achieving the 2030 roadmap targets.