02241nas a2200277   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653002200086653002700108653001900135100001300154700002000167700001300187700001900200700001700219700001400236700001200250700001200262700001300274245016700287856005900454300000900513490000700522520142000529022001401949       2024                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10amultidisciplinary10aSlash and Clear Method10aonchocerciasis1 aDomche A1 aNana Djeunga HC1 aNwane PB1 aNjitchouang GR1 aNono Fesuh B1 aNjiokou F1 aJacob B1 aPion SD1 aKamgno J00aSignificant reduction of blackfly densities in persistent onchocerciasis area following pilot implementation of an environment friendly approach (Slash and Clear)  uhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-50747-4.pdf  a1-100 v143 a<p>The effectiveness of the “Slash and Clear” method in reducing blackfly populations in low transmission areas is established, but its impact in high transmission settings with large rivers and dense vectors is yet to be proven. A community-based intervention study was conducted in the Mbam Valley, Centre Cameroon, involving two sites: Bayomen (control) and Biatsota (intervention). In each arm, baseline blackfly densities were collected over one year using the human landing method. The intervention consisted of destroying the trailing vegetation where blackflies breed. Blackfly densities were collected post-intervention to assess the impact of the intervention. Post-intervention data showed a 50.8% reduction in blackfly density in Biatsota (mean number of collected blackflies from 1936 to 953), while a reduction of 26.7% was observed in Bayomen (mean number of collected blackflies from 2418 to 1774). The reduction rate attributable to the intervention was 32.9%. Statistical analysis confirmed that the reduction in blackfly density was significantly greater in the intervention site. This study demonstrates the feasibility and significant impact of the “Slash and Clear” method in high transmission areas. However, further research is required to assess its long-term effects and determine how this strategy can be scaled up and sustained until onchocerciasis elimination is achieved.</p>
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