Psychological intervention

Mass drug administration

Gene

Filariasis

Voltage

Engineering

Biology

Induction motor

Ivermectin

Psychiatry

Telecommunications

Vector control

Biochemistry

Computer science

Vector (molecular biology)

Environmental health

Immunology

Veterinary medicine

Helminths

Onchocerca volvulus

Population

Epidemiology

Medicine

Transmission (telecommunications)

Onchocerciasis

Recombinant DNA

Electrical engineering

Pathology

Trends in Parasitology

Mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin is currently the main strategy to achieve elimination of transmission (EoT) of onchocerciasis. Modelling suggests that EoT may not be reached in all endemic foci using annual MDA alone. Onchocerciasis and loiasis are coendemic in forest areas of Central Africa where ivermectin treatment can lead to severe adverse events in individuals with heavy loiasis load, rendering MDA inappropriate. Vector control has been proposed as a complementary intervention strategy. Here, we discuss (i) achievements and pitfalls of previous interventions; (ii) epidemiological impact, feasibility, and combination with MDA to accelerate and/or protect EoT; (iii) role of modelling; (iv) opportunities for innovative methods of vector monitoring and control; and (v) strengthening entomological capacity in endemic countries.

Vector control and entomological capacity for onchocerciasis elimination