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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
10:26
Toxicological Assays for Testing Effects of an Epigenetic Drug on Development, Fecundity and Survivorship of Malaria Mosquitoes
Published on: January 16, 2015
Mectizan(®) procurement and delivery for onchocerciasis mass drug administration programmes
Kisito T Ogoussan1, Adrian Hopkins
1Mectizan(®) Donation Program, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030, USA. Kogoussan@taskforce.org
Acta Tropica
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Mectizan provides safe onchocerciasis prevention. The Mectizan Donation Program has significantly increased treatment doses, but national drug policies are crucial for widespread access and disease elimination.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Tropical Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Policy
Background:
- Onchocerciasis remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions.
- Mectizan (ivermectin) is a key tool for onchocerciasis chemoprevention.
- Effective drug procurement and delivery are vital for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Mectizan Donation Program's impact on onchocerciasis chemoprevention.
- To assess the progress towards covering all at-risk populations.
- To highlight the need for supportive national drug policies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Mectizan Donation Program data from 1987 to 2008.
- Tracking of approved treatment doses and shipped tablets.
- Review of drug access and policy requirements for mass drug administration.
Main Results:
- Annual approved Mectizan doses increased from 255,000 in 1988 to over 80 million in 2007-2008.
- Over 697 million doses were approved cumulatively by 2008.
- The current demand is met, but universal coverage is not yet achieved.
Conclusions:
- The Mectizan Donation Program has successfully scaled up drug supply for onchocerciasis.
- National drug policies are essential to support procurement, delivery, and scaling up mass drug administration.
- Comprehensive strategies are needed for onchocerciasis elimination as part of neglected tropical disease control.
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