Qualitative assessment of implementation challenges for onchocerciasis programming in Sierra Leone

Summary

This qualitative assessment of implementation challenges for onchocerciasis programming aims at understanding the reasons behind continued high prevalence of onchocerciasis in seven communities in Sierra Leone. The study uses qualitative data collection methods (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) with programme implementers and community members.

Main objectives

  •  To identify the sub-group, population or geographical areas that are not reached nor beneficiaries of the annual mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin
  • To identify the drivers of low-treatment coverage
  • To identify the challenges faced by community drug distributors and frontline health workers in implementing MDA
  • To harvest suggested solutions or approaches to tackling the implementation challenges to MDA

Policy and practice implications

The outputs from this study are expected to:

  1. Generate specific programmatic solutions to address poor coverage
  2. Evidence how qualitative approaches may be used to leverage local knowledge around reasons for poor compliance and facilitate the co-creation of solutions

Methodology

  • Qualitative
Study details
Start date
1 November 2023
Finish date
30 October 2024
Main contact
Akinola Oluwole
Research adviser
Partners
  • Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone
Funders
Countries