The prestigious 2008 Mectizan® Award, awarded by global pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. , Inc. in recognition of the efforts of an individual in the fight to eliminate river blindness, has been awarded to Catherine Cross, a consultant on international programmes at leading blindness organisation, Sightsavers International.
Catherine Cross was nominated for the award by her peers in global public health in recognition of her important contributions and sustained leadership in the fight against the potentially blinding condition of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.
Ken Gustavsen, Director, Global Health Partnerships, Merck & Co., Inc. commented: “We congratulate Catherine Cross on her selection for this award. Her unique vision and commitment are an example to all those dedicated to the success of the Mectizan donation program.”
River blindness, transmitted through the bite of the black simulium fly which breeds in fast-flowing rivers, can result in serious skin disease including intolerable and constant itching, and can lead to permanent loss of vision. The onset of blindness tends to affect people in their thirties and forties at their most productive time of life. Many children in affected communities miss out on education because they have to act as full-time carers to older relatives.
Catherine has worked at Sightsavers for over 15 years, heading up Sightsavers’ work with partners to distribute the medicine Mectizan®, donated by Merck & Co., Inc., to those at risk across Africa.
It is estimated that as many as one million people are blind or severely visually impaired through river blindness. Another 18 million people are currently believed to be infected. But it is a disease that potentially can be eliminated as a public health problem with proper community-level treatment programmes. Last year, Sightsavers supported the treatment of 20 million adults and children in 12 African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Mali.
Catherine has been working with international networks and organisations, such as the World Bank and the World Health Organisation as well as governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve the goal of eliminating river blindness by the year 2020.
Catherine Cross commented on her award: “I am delighted to be nominated for this Award. It really celebrates the achievements of Sightsavers’ staff and partners over two decades. The award is in recognition of this.”
Catherine received her award on 7th October at a ceremony at the Imperial College, London.
Notes
1. There are 45 million blind people in the world; 75% of all blindness can be prevented or cured.
2. Sightsavers International is a registered UK charity (number 207544 England & Wales, Scotland SC038110) that works in more than 30 developing countries to prevent blindness, restore sight and advocate for inclusion and equal rights for people who are blind and visually impaired. sightsavers
3. Merck & Co., Inc. operates as Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd, or MSD, in the UK.
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