AFENET partners with health ministry to conduct operational research to support onchocerciasis elimination in Uganda

Over the last 12 years AFENET has been collaborating with the US CDC to support neglected tropical disease (NTD) control and elimination efforts in Africa.

One of AFENET’s focus areas is conducting operational research to provide evidence for stopping Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in communities affected by onchocerciasis in the African region.

On 5 August 2024, AFENET deployed for 16 days a survey team comprising epidemiologists, clinicians, laboratory personnel, research assistants and a biostatistician to collect the 2024 survey data. This study is being conducted in Kitgum and Lamwo districts which are found in Northern Uganda. The target is to interview 1,500 study participants who will provide epidemiological information on onchocerciasis, dry blood spot (DBS) sample and a skin snip sample.

Since 2012, AFENET has been collaborating with Uganda’s ministry of health NTD program to conduct onchocerciasis triannual prevalence surveys whose main objective is to provide important evidence to stop MDA in affected communities. The study also aims to evaluate the sensitivity of current onchocerca volvulus diagnostic tests and the distribution of anti-Ov-16 antibodies and other markers of O. volvulus infection in multiple age groups over time.