News & Publications

River Blindness Program - Stories From the Field 

Jan. 8, 2010
Profile From the Field: Dr. Mauricio Sauerbrey
If passion is a key ingredient for success, then Dr. Mauricio Sauerbrey embodies the necessary "stuff" for meeting the goal of interrupted transmission of river blindness — or onchocerciasis—in the Americas by 2012.

Dec. 8, 2009
Meet Alba Lucia Morales: Health Educator Fills Critical Role in Final Push Toward Onchocerciasis Elimination
For Alba Lucia Morales Castro, health education adviser with the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA)--the Carter Center-sponsored river blindness elimination organization in Latin America--the joy of working in the field is its own reward.

Jan. 4, 2008
Mustafa Mugwano:  Welcomed Home, an Outcast Begins to Heal
Today, a visitor to the Mbale district of eastern Uganda might see Mustafa Mugwano happily plowing his fields in the lush farming village of Bunawazi. But two years ago, he would have been found living alone in the forests bordering the village.


Jan. 4, 2008
Pitasia Gonzales:  Treatment Gives Hope for Grandchildren's Future
Pitasia Gonzales lives in rural Mexico with her daughters, in a home surrounded by coffee fields accessible only by foot. Like many of the women in her community, Gonzales was a strong and capable provider for her family, until river blindness stole her sight many years ago.

Oct. 1, 2007
Uganda Attempts Nationwide Elimination of River Blindness
River blindness is such a pervasive disease in Africa that many global experts believe it can only be controlled not eliminated. But Uganda has announced plans to rid the disease, despite hefty challenges.

July 31, 2007

I Sold My Roof: Farmer's Hope for Grandchildren Includes Futures Free from River Blindness
The rolling, lush landscape of the Ethiopian countryside surrounded the straw and mortar shelter. Inside, Ababora Abajobar, 70, sat in the thick-walled darkness. His weathered hands perched upon his walking stick, his blue socks neatly folded around his scarred shins. 


Dec. 19, 2006
Many Forgotten Diseases, One Integrated Approach
Over the past two decades, The Carter Center, in partnership with Nigerian health authorities, has created a village-based health care delivery infrastructure to treat multiple diseases simultaneously. Thanks to these interventions, children can have the opportunity to grow up no longer fearing the blindness, disfigurement, organ damage, and life-sapping fevers that their parents suffered.

May 1, 2006
Dr. Emmanuel Miri: 'Dr. Water' Pours New Life into Rural Nigerian Communities with Carter Center Health Programs
His name means "water" and "life" in the Southeastern region of his native Nigeria, and perhaps no name could be more appropriate for Dr. Emmanuel Miri, resident technical adviser for the Carter Center's health programs in Nigeria.

Jan. 19, 2006
Staffer Reflects on OEPA Successes, River Blindness Partnerships in Mexico
A first-hand account by Becky Brookshire, associate director of development, Carter Center Health Programs. 

Oct. 27, 2005
Carter Center Technical Advisor Moses Katabarwa: Proving Kinship Counts in Global Public Health
The son of an area chief in the former Ankole Kingdom, Moses Katabarwa learned early the importance of family, community, and grassroots action, dedicating his life to improving the well-being of his fellow Ugandans.

May 1, 2005
Innovative Approach to Disease Control Multiplies Results
This article was originally published in the spring 2005 issue of The Carter Center News.  

Nov. 20, 2003
Volunteer Plays Key Role as River Blindness Health Promoter: Making Time to Protect a Community and Fight Disease
Working long hours caring for one of Guatemala's largest coffee plantations and managing six children would leave most people little time to volunteer. Jose Maria Pos, 41, thought the same thing when the Mitzimal farm manager asked him to become the community's river blindness (onchocerciasis) health promoter.

Jan. 1, 2003
Clear Vision Is in Their Future: Combating River Blindness in the Americas
The women of the extended Ramirez family—Lisa, Martha, Maria, Anna, and Yesenia—range in age from 16 to 52 and have been involved with the Carter Center's effort to eliminate onchocerciasis, or river blindness, for a collective total of 25 years.