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A method to determine the coverage of ivermectin distribution in onchocerciasis-control programmes
E C Schwartz1, J Renk, A D Hopkins
1International Centre for Eye Health, London, U.K. smheecs@ucl.ac.uk
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|January 30, 1999
Summary
A new cluster random-sampling method effectively measures ivermectin coverage for onchocerciasis control programs. This approach is crucial for monitoring the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control and preventing blindness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Onchocerciasis, a filarial infection, causes significant blindness and socio-economic impact in Africa.
- Ivermectin offers hope for eliminating visual loss through community-based distribution programs.
- The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) aims to distribute ivermectin across 19 endemic African countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a standardized method for measuring ivermectin coverage in onchocerciasis control.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a cluster random-sampling method for coverage evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A cluster random-sampling method, adapted from the WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization, was employed.
- Coverage was calculated for an urban population of 30,000 in the Central African Republic in April 1996.
- The method required only local equipment and personnel, proving inexpensive and easy to perform.
Main Results:
- The cluster random-sampling method was successfully implemented in Bossangoa, Central African Republic.
- The study demonstrated the method's cost-effectiveness and ease of use with local resources.
- Results from Bossangoa provide a benchmark for coverage assessment in ivermectin distribution programs.
Conclusions:
- Cluster random-sampling offers a standardized, efficient, and accessible approach to monitoring ivermectin coverage for onchocerciasis control.
- This method can be valuable for evaluating and optimizing distribution programs within APOC and similar initiatives.
- Effective monitoring of coverage is essential for achieving the goal of eliminating onchocerciasis-related visual impairment.
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