An innovative concept of using community information for surveys and developing a map of Simulium breeding sites

Having a Simulium vector distribution map is important for all entomological and epidemiological aspects for the elimination of onchocerciasis. Developing these maps using topographic maps has some limitations such as identifying the exact locations of rapids, especially with low-scale maps. This leads to breeding sites being missed during prospecting. Recent efforts to map breeding sites involve the development of technologies such as satellite images, remote sensing modelling and drones. The limitations of these technologies include cost, security concerns and tree cover preventing the observation of rapids from the sky. Although community support has traditionally been used to guide entomological teams during prospecting for breeding sites, community knowledge has not been an integral part in planning breeding site surveys.

This article proposes a concept of using community knowledge and health system structure for planning and implementation of breeding sites surveys. The approach uses questionnaires to gather information on fast-flowing stretches of rivers within communities. Using this information, a breeding site survey plan is developed at the national level and reviewed and implemented at the district and subdistrict levels using discussions, photos and videos of fast flowing rivers, as well as topographic maps. A working timetable is then developed that indicates areas to visit each day, maximizing time in the field and other logistics.

Using health system structures and community members not only provides a rapid approach for entomological surveys but also strengthens entomological fieldwork and fosters community engagement in vector surveillance.