Reaching the Last Mile with ivermectin mass drug administration against onchocerciasis: the case of Kwanware-Ottou persistent transmission focus in the Wenchi Health District in Ghana
Summary
Onchocerciasis persists in Ghana’s Kwanware-Ottou area despite nearly three decades of community treatment with ivermectin. This study explored the reasons for continued transmission and tested new strategies to improve treatment coverage. Using satellite imagery, community mapping and interviews, the team identified hard-to-reach settlements and population groups often missed during treatment. A locally tailored action plan was developed and implemented with strong community involvement.
Results showed a significant increase in treatment coverage and improved community participation. The approach shows that combining local knowledge with technology and participatory planning can tackle persistent transmission and serve as a practical model for improving onchocerciasis and other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control efforts.