Navigating the way to onchocerciasis elimination: the feasibility and affordability of onchocerciasis elimination mapping

Summary

Onchocerciasis is targeted for elimination of transmission by 2030 in at least 21 countries. To achieve this, recent and accurate data on the extent and intensity of onchocerciasis transmission are required. There is near universal acceptance of the need to map or remap transmission areas, however, there is no consensus on how to conduct onchocerciasis elimination mapping (OEM), and little published data to inform policymakers and programme managers, including on cost.

In this study, we summarise the methods and cost implications of conducting pilot OEM surveys in Ghana and Nigeria in 2018. Our analysis includes a breakdown of costs incurred overall, per person and per implementation unit in each country, as well as detailed analysis of the cost categories and the main cost drivers. We find that the procurement and logistics of diagnostics accounted for more than one-third of the total cost, a significant cost driver. Our results will be valuable to policymakers and donors as they seek to prioritise onchocerciasis elimination.