Utilisation of health facilities and schools in onchocerciasis elimination efforts

Summary

Onchocerciasis persists in many endemic areas due to suboptimal implementation of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). To address this issue, the authors propose expanding ivermectin distribution through health facilities to reach missed individuals and through schools to improve coverage among children.

Health facilities could also play a key role in rapidly detecting onchocerciasis cases and identifying disease resurgence in areas where Onchocerca volvulus transmission has been eliminated. Moreover, health facilities and schools could serve as platforms for health education. Adapting these strategies to local contexts could strengthen the sustainability and impact of national elimination programmes.