Elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa by 2025: an ambitious target requires ambitious interventions.

ABSTRACT: To achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis transmission in all African countries will entail enormous challenges, as has been highlighted by the active discussion around onchocerciasis intervention strategies and evaluation procedures in this journal.Serological thresholds for onchocerciasis elimination, adapted for the African setting, need to be established. The Onchocerciasis Technical Advisory Subgroup of the World Health Organization is currently developing improved guidelines to allow country elimination committees to make evidence-based decisions. Importantly, onchocerciasis-related morbidity should not be forgotten when debating elimination prospects. A morbidity management and disease prevention (MMDP) strategy similar to that for lymphatic filariasis will need to be developed.

SUBMITTER: Colebunders R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6775645 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature