Vector control and entomological capacity for onchocerciasis elimination

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Vector-Borne Diseases

Background:

• Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin is the primary strategy for onchocerciasis elimination of transmission (EoT).
• MDA alone may not achieve EoT in all endemic regions.
• Co-endemicity of onchocerciasis and loiasis in Central Africa poses challenges for ivermectin MDA due to severe adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate vector control as a complementary strategy to MDA for onchocerciasis EoT.
• To discuss achievements and challenges of past interventions.
• To explore the integration of vector control with MDA to accelerate or safeguard EoT.

Main Methods:

• Review of previous intervention achievements and pitfalls.
• Discussion of epidemiological impact, feasibility, and combination strategies with MDA.
• Exploration of the role of mathematical modeling in predicting EoT.
• Assessment of innovative vector monitoring and control methods.
• Evaluation of entomological capacity building in endemic countries.

Main Results:

• MDA alone may be insufficient for onchocerciasis EoT in certain areas.
• Vector control is a proposed complementary strategy to accelerate or protect EoT.
• Co-endemicity with loiasis complicates MDA due to potential severe adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Integrating vector control with ivermectin MDA is essential for achieving onchocerciasis EoT, particularly in complex epidemiological settings.
• Innovative vector control and monitoring methods, alongside strengthened entomological capacity, are vital.
• Mathematical modeling plays a key role in guiding intervention strategies and predicting outcomes.