Disease found in tropical Africa and Central America. It is transmitted by bloodsucking black flies, which infect the victim with parasitic filarial worms (genus Onchocerca), producing skin disorders and intense itching; some invade the eyes and may cause blindness.
It is treated with antiparasitic drugs known as filaricides.
Green stands for agriculture. Red recalls the struggle for independence. White denotes peace. Yellow symbolizes mineral wealth. Effective date: April 1983.