World Bank Group Timeline
World Bank Group joins efforts to fight river blindness
After visiting Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) in 1972 and seeing first-hand the devastation brought on by the disease onchocerciasis (also known as river blindness), President McNamara proposes a multidonor program to control the disease in Western Africa. Together with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Health Organization, the World Bank Group launches the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP). The Bank assumes responsibility for fundraising, donor coordination, and fund administration. The OCP will prove to be one of the Bank's most effective cofinancing operations.
Resource Gallery
Researchers searching for blackfly larvae
1974
Entomologists with the River Blindness Control Program working out of Bobo-Dioulasso in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) (1729531; Credit: UN).
Insecticide being sprayed from a helicopter
1974
A new type of insecticide is employed by the River Blindness Control Program team (1729531; Credit: UN).
Interview with Bruce Benton
Interview date: May 9 and 16, June 13 and 17, 2006
Benton discusses his work as manager of the Onchocerciasis Coordination Unit on pages 37-123.
Entomologist speaks with villagers
1974
An entomologist with the River Blindness Control Program meets with residents in a town near Bobo-Dioulasso (1729531; Credit: The World Bank).
The Onchocerciasis Control Program in West Africa: A Long-Term Commitment to Success
Document date: Aug. 31, 1991
The working paper identifies the main reasons for the onchocerciasis program's success.
Memorandum concerning the World Bank Group's involvement in river blindness control
April 16, 1973
In this memorandum to the Board of Directors, President McNamara reports on the World Bank Group's early involvement in the fight against river blindness (1082632).
Blackflies in a test tube
1974
Specimens are collected for further research in the lab (1729531; Credit: UN).
Press release -- River blindness consultation meeting with countries and agencies
June 5, 1973
Representatives from the World Bank Group, World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme, and contributing countries will meet in Paris to consult on the financing of the river blindness control program (1082632).
Onchocerciasis Control Programme and the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control historical timeline
Document date: June 1, 2014
The brief presents an historical timeline that details the prevention of neglected tropical diseases.
