<p>Onchocerciasis Elimination: Progress and Challenges</p>

Abstract

Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted through the bites of black flies of the genus Similium that breed in rivers and streams. The impact of mass treatment with ivermectin and supplemented by vector control in some countries has changed the global scene of onchocerciasis. There has been reported progress made in elimination of onchocerciasis in central and southern American countries and in some localities in Africa. The target for elimination in the Americas has been set at 2022 while for 12 countries in Africa this is expected in 2030. This review was conducted to examine the current status of onchocerciasis elimination at the global level and report on progress made. Literature searches were made through PubMed, articles in English or English abstracts, reports and any other relevant articles related to the subject. The global burden of onchocerciasis is progressively reducing and is no longer a public health problem in some regions. However, programs are challenged with a range of issues: cross-border transmission, diagnostic tools, Loa loa co-endemicity, limited workforce in entomology and maintaining enthusiasm among community drug distributors. More concerted effort using appropriate tools is required to overcome the challenges.

Onchocerciasis Prevalence among Persons with Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Hypo-Endemic Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our study suggest that in onchocerciasis hypo-endemic areas in T. solium antigen negative persons with epilepsy, onchocerciasis should be considered as a potential trigger of epilepsy. Moreover, if our OV16 prevalence data are confirmed in a community based study, the Congolese onchocerciasis elimination program should consider including the Mosango area for onchocerciasis elimination mapping [ 21 ].…”

An Overview of the Management of Mansonellosis

“…Effective and co-ordinated helminth disease control programmes have been in operation for well over 70 years. 13,[23][24][25][26][27] Many of these programmes, which have in recent years focused on the use of anti-helminthic MDA and (to a lesser extent) vector control, have enjoyed substantial and sustained financing for almost a century. 9,10,13,23 Typically, these programmes are co-ordinated by regional and national governments, often with financial and expert support from the WHO, the WB and various nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), like the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.…”

The World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: implications for onchocerciasis elimination programs

“…In many onchocerciasis endemic areas, annually and certainly biannually distribution of ivermectin has been shown to be effective in reducing onchocerciasis-associated morbidity and in eliminating onchocerciasis as a public health problem [ 2 , 8 ]. This explains the decreased emphasis on monitoring changes in morbidity as response to treatment.…”