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Onchocerciasis Control: Vision for the Future from a Ghanian perspective
Mark J Taylor1, Kwablah Awadzi, María-Gloria Basáñez
1Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK. mark.taylor@liverpool.ac.uk.
Parasites & Vectors
|January 22, 2009
Summary
Concerns about ivermectin resistance in onchocerciasis control are rising. A Ghana meeting set research priorities for alternative drugs and strategies to combat potential widespread resistance.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Onchocerciasis control programs have heavily depended on ivermectin donations since 1987.
- Suboptimal responses to ivermectin treatment have been reported in Ghana, raising concerns about drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a research agenda for onchocerciasis control in Ghana.
- To define research priorities for alternative drug and treatment strategies.
- To outline future control strategies in the face of potential widespread ivermectin resistance.
Main Methods:
- A workshop was convened in Ghana.
- Discussions focused on current challenges and future research needs.
- Expert input was gathered to define research priorities.
Main Results:
- Identified the urgent need for research into alternative treatments for onchocerciasis.
- Highlighted the threat of ivermectin resistance in onchocerciasis control.
- Established a framework for future research and control strategies.
Conclusions:
- Urgent research is needed to address suboptimal ivermectin responses and potential resistance.
- Developing alternative drugs and treatment regimes is crucial for sustained onchocerciasis control.
- Proactive strategies are required to ensure long-term disease management.
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