01900nas a2200265 4500000000100000008004100001653003900042653001900081653001600100653001000116653001200126653000800138100001500146700001200161700001500173700001500188700001400203700001400217245011500231856003300346300001200379490000700391520122200398022001401620 2018 d10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aonchocerciasis10aElimination10aESPEN10aMapping10aMDA1 aRebollo MP1 aZoure H1 aOgoussan K1 aSodahlon Y1 aOttesen E1 aCantey PT00aOnchocerciasis: shifting the target from control to elimination requires a new first-step-elimination mapping. uhttps://tinyurl.com/y9fyov25 ai14-i190 v103 a
The meaning of 'mapping' in relation to onchocerciasis has changed at least three times over the past 50 years as the programmatic goals and the assessment tools have changed. With the current goal being global elimination of Onchocerca volvulus (OV), all areas where OV might currently be transmitted and where mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin treatment has not been delivered previously must now be identified by careful, detailed 'elimination mapping' as either OV endemic or not, so that appropriate programmatic targets can be established. New tools and strategies for such elimination mapping have become available, though ongoing studies must still be completed to define agreed upon optimal diagnostic evaluation units, sampling strategies and serologic tools. With detailed guidance and technical support from the World Health Organization and with implementation and financial support from their global partners, the OV-endemic countries of Africa can soon complete their elimination mapping and then continue with MDA programmes to progressively achieve the same success in OV elimination as that already achieved by the growing list of formerly OV-endemic countries in the Americas.
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