Progress Toward Onchocerciasis Elimination in Brazil.

Area of Science:

• Tropical medicine
• Public health
• Parasitology

Background:

• The Amazon rainforest harbors a unique onchocerciasis focus shared by Brazil and Venezuela.
• This disease disproportionately affects the indigenous Yanomami population, posing significant elimination challenges due to the region's vastness and inaccessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline Brazil's strategy and progress toward onchocerciasis elimination in the Amazonian focus.
• To identify ongoing challenges and future prospects for eradicating this neglected tropical disease.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin since 1995.
• Community-level monitoring and epidemiological surveys for targeted interventions.
• Adherence to regional and global elimination guidelines.

Main Results:

• Brazil has completed 36 effective biannual ivermectin MDA rounds with ≥85% coverage through 2022.
• The national program is progressing towards the goal of stopping treatment by 2025 and verifying elimination by 2030.

Conclusions:

• Brazil's sustained ivermectin MDA and monitoring have advanced onchocerciasis elimination efforts.
• Addressing cross-border issues, insecurity, and leveraging governmental support are crucial for achieving the 2030 elimination goal.