African Program for Onchocerciasis Control - Phase III

Over 99 million people have been treated with ivermectin in 24 African countries representing 95% of targeted communities and an increase of 10 countries since 2011. In 2012 581 737 000 of ivermectin tablets have been distributed in 26 countries including 19% for onchocerciasis only and 71% for joint administration against onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Until 2010 the project has protected 120 million people at risk of contracting the disease helped prevent 500 000 cases of blindness and reduces 86% the prevalence of unbearable itching. Geographical coverage (number of communities targeted by the project) remains stable with an average of 95%. However the therapeutic coverage (number of people treated) is at 76.4% (target of 80% by 2015 to eliminate onchocerciasis in the countries covered by ivermectin treatment). The project conducted in 2012 and 2013 an epidemiological survey in ten countries. The results of this assessment indicate that villages observed in six of the 10 countries have reached a breakpoint for onchocerciasis elimination. In 2012 the project has trained 81 520 health workers from 22 countries who contributed to the training of 668 094 Community-Directed Distributers (CDD) also from 22 countries and responsible for the distribution of drugs. This training has enabled community ownership of Community-Directed Intervention (CDI) approach to ensure a sound and efficient distribution of drugs. In recent years APOC gave technical and financial support to15 medical schools and nursing schools in several countries in Africa to integrate the Community-Directed Intervention (CDI) approach in their curricula. This adds to the 67 medical schools and nursing schools supported in 2011. 6 Masters and one Bac Degree in Public Health Scholarships were granted during the same period. Recipients have returned to their former positions.