Flies stole Albert’s sight.
The disease that fills parents with fear.
Right now there is fear gripping parents across Africa – the fear of a terrible disease that’s ravaging whole villages.
It’s called River Blindness, and the way it destroys sight is nothing short of horrific...
Albert knows River Blindness all too well. When he was infected by a black fly, he didn't even realise that with every bite, tiny worms were entering his body.
At first, Albert noticed bumps under his skin. These were the parasites’ larvae, clustering together in knots. When they died, they released a toxin that resulted in unbearable itching and eventually blindness.
Think about when you’ve been bitten by a single mosquito. What Albert was experiencing was much, much worse. His chest, back, head and armpits were on fire with pain and unbearably itchy. He scratched his skin raw with an old corncob, but there was no relief.
As he was suffering, Albert also noticed his vision weakening.
“First, I couldn’t recognise people from far anymore. Then I could hardly see the people close to me. My surroundings became foggy. Eventually I saw only shadows – and finally I lost my sight completely.”
Albert was helpless to do anything to stop the agony and the medication came too late to prevent him going completely blind…
Now, Albert fears for his family. Can you imagine such terror? Would his beloved granddaughter Sylvie be next?
You see, once one person is infected, it doesn’t stop there... Black flies bite the infected person, picking up the parasite and spreading it to others. Soon, an entire community is at risk of going blind…
You can understand why Albert is afraid for his children and grandchildren if they lose their sight. And he’s not alone in his fear.
That’s why we must act today to stop the endless suffering.
Help STOP River Blindness when your gift is MULTIPLIED X 7