International Health最新文献

{"title":"Empowering the next generation: the END Fund's Field Entomology Mentorship Program.","authors":"Anne Heggen, Franklin Ayisi, Adoum Mahamat, Olabanji Surakat, Lassane Koala, Kareen Atekem, Arwa Elaagip, Eve Gatawa, Sashi Leff, Pierre Albrieux, Charles D Mackenzie, Jamie Tallant, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf096","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The END Fund's Field Entomology Mentorship Program addresses a critical gap in trained entomologists supporting onchocerciasis elimination in Africa. Unlike conventional training, this hands-on mentorship equips early to mid-career entomologists with technical expertise in critical onchocerciasis blackfly surveillance activities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The 3-y program follows a phased approach, gradually increasing mentees' independence while ensuring strong mentorship.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In its inaugural year, six mentees engaged in field activities across multiple countries, contributing to the development of elimination strategies, onchocerciasis surveillance and research projects. Mentees highlight the program's transformative impact, fostering leadership, collaboration and strategic problem-solving. Their experiences with their mentors have strengthened national program capacity and the program is building a network of skilled experts dedicated to disease elimination.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>As the program evolves, mentees will take on more independent roles, ensuring sustainable expertise at the country level. This initiative underscores the importance of investing in local entomological capacity to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination efforts across Africa and other endemic countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i23-i26"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delineation of onchocerciasis operational transmission zones of Burkina Faso.","authors":"Lassane Koala, Nikiema Sindimbasba Achille, Compaoré Justin, Bougouma Clarisse, Ouedraogo Mathias, Adjami Gilles Aimé, Sanon Karim, Sanfo Sounkalo Moussa, Tirados Iniaki, Bessell Richard Paul, Kafando Claude Montant, Traoré Soungalo, Boakye Adjei Daniel, Roch Kounbobr Dabiré","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag010","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Defining the transmission zones for onchocerciasis is a critical first step needed in an endemic country aiming to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis. The process focuses on defining the geographical boundaries of areas where onchocerciasis transmission could persist with minimal influence from neighbouring regions. The use of operational transmission zones (OTZs) allows for assessment of interruption of onchocerciasis transmission with greater certainty within endemic countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used available environmental, epidemiological and entomological data on onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso from the inception of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme to the present day. This information, together with field assessments, allowed delineation of OTZs across the whole country.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six OTZs were identified: Comoé-Léraba, Dienkoa, Bas-Mouhoun, Volta, Boucle du Mouhoun and Gourma.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Delineation of the onchocerciasis OTZs of Burkina Faso will facilitate the implementation of future interventions and assessment of the progress towards disease elimination within the country and bordering regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i81-i88"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223583/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An innovative concept of using community information for surveys and developing a map of Simulium breeding sites.","authors":"Daniel A Boakye, Kareen Atekem, Franklin Ayisi, Olabanji Surakat, Adoum M Oumar, Lassane Koala, Arwa Elaagip, Dziedzom K de Souza, Jamie Tallant, Sashi Leff, Eve Gatawa, Anne Heggen, Charles D Mackenzie","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf132","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Having a Simulium vector distribution map is important for all entomological and epidemiological aspects for the elimination of onchocerciasis. Developing these maps using topographic maps has some limitations such as identifying the exact locations of rapids, especially with low-scale maps. This leads to breeding sites being missed during prospecting. Recent efforts to map breeding sites involve the development of technologies such as satellite images, remote sensing modelling and drones. The limitations of these technologies include cost, security concerns and tree cover preventing the observation of rapids from the sky. Although community support has traditionally been used to guide entomological teams during prospecting for breeding sites, community knowledge has not been an integral part in planning breeding site surveys.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article proposes a concept of using community knowledge and health system structure for planning and implementation of breeding sites surveys. The approach uses questionnaires to gather information on fast-flowing stretches of rivers within communities. Using this information, a breeding site survey plan is developed at the national level and reviewed and implemented at the district and subdistrict levels using discussions, photos and videos of fast flowing rivers, as well as topographic maps. A working timetable is then developed that indicates areas to visit each day, maximizing time in the field and other logistics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Using health system structures and community members not only provides a rapid approach for entomological surveys but also strengthens entomological fieldwork and fosters community engagement in vector surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i34-i37"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223561/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of seasonal changes on human onchocerciasis transmission and disease elimination.","authors":"Franklin Ayisi, Dziedzom K de Souza, Anne Heggen, Kareen Atekem, Olabanji Surakat, Arwa Elaagip, Adoum Mahamat Oumar, Lassane Koala, Jamie Tallant, Charles D Mackenzie, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf089","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The current guidelines for stopping treatment and verifying elimination of onchocerciasis recommend entomological and epidemiological surveys to be performed during the peak transmission season, which is generally assumed to occur during the rainy season, although this may not necessarily hold true in all transmission zones (TZs). This review has synthesized data, from a literature search, on the effects of seasonality on transmission in West and Central Africa. Seasonality affects vector population dynamics by altering terrestrial and aquatic ecology. In TZs with perennial rivers, peak transmission and peak vector density may either coincide or occur at different periods. These peaks could occur in either the rainy or the dry season in both forest and savanna zones, and the periods may change between years. Therefore, countries should establish updated local biting patterns at a TZ prior to vector collection. Also, while using peak biting density as a convenient indicator for when to commence vector collection (because of the need for a sufficient sample size), the survey period should include months in both seasons to increase the chances of collecting during peak transmission. Seasonality significantly impacts onchocerciasis transmission elimination; and it also offers critical avenues for effective intervention and transmission evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i46-i59"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223404/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The importance of focusing on entomology in the efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis.","authors":"Jamie Tallant, Charles D Mackenzie, Daniel Boakye, Anne Heggen, Sashi Leff, Eve Gatawa, Kelly Zongo, Martha Mberu, Pierre Albrieux","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag012","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag012","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i3-i4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223595/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplanning for entomological surveys to sustain the onchocerciasis elimination effort in West Africa.","authors":"Ngayo Sy, Lassane Koala, Alioune Seck, Adoum Mahamat Oumar, Olabanji Surakat, Kareen Atekem, Franklin Ayisi, Dziedzom K de Souza, Anne Heggen, Jamie Tallant, Charles D Mackenzie, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf088","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Former Onchocerciasis Control Programme countries like Senegal have made important progress towards eliminating onchocerciasis. Senegal has engaged in post-mass drug administration (MDA) activities, mainly entomological surveillance, but the country initially struggled to collect the recommended number of blackflies in all the country's transmission zones. Here, we implemented a simple approach in the entomological surveillance protocol to increase the number of Simulium damnosum collected.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, in the main S. damnosum capture points located along the Gambie and Falémé river basins. We reviewed environmental data, analysed and interpreted previous blackflies capture data and processed field visits to identify optimal periods of blackfly capture in each capture point.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After the implementation of our approach, the number of blackflies captured increased by approximately 42% in 2023 compared with 2022 captures. The numbers of blackflies captured increased from 71 999 and 23 666, respectively, in Gambia and Falémé in 2022, to 101 276 and 34 780 in 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results reveal that simple and effective microplanning of blackfly capture periods can support onchocerciasis post-MDA surveillance activities by increasing the number of blackflies captured.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i68-i73"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223559/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Defining onchocerciasis transmission zones: integrating operational insights with genomic and ecological advances.","authors":"Arwa Elaagip, Lassane Koala, Dziedzom K de Souza, Kareen Atekem, Olabanji Surakat, Franklin Ayisi, Adoum Mahamat Oumar, Anne Heggen, Charles D Mackenzie, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag017","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and is transmitted through the bites of blackflies of the genus Simulium that breed in rivers and streams. The current WHO definition of transmission zones is limited, leaving country programmes to address challenges such as delineating transmission zones correctly, addressing blackfly migration, managing parasite and host movement and handling cross-border transmission issues. A more data-driven approach to the practical definition of transmission zones in African countries would be advantageous. A review of the documents in the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (WHO IRIS) and using standard search engines (e.g. PubMed, Google Scholar) has identified previously less recognised factors that could enhance the definition and use of transmission areas in onchocerciasis areas. These guiding observations integrate historical operational, entomological, epidemiological and ecological information with genomic aspects.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i27-i33"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146127067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Important entomological events in the history of onchocerciasis ('river blindness').","authors":"Charles D Mackenzie, Rory J Post, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag018","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article reviews the major events that entomology has played, and still plays, in the history of onchocerciasis ('river blindness') from life-cycle discovery to the current global goal of elimination of parasite transmission in all endemic areas. The identified events include the various attempts to implement successful vector control, the important introduction of the microfilaricide ivermectin and the new improvements in laboratory-based techniques to identify infected blackflies and refine onchocerciasis epidemiology and programme monitoring. These scientific events are paralleled with the development of a series of increasingly ambitious public health targets, first to reduce blindness due to this infection, then to reduce the prevalence of all the clinical symptoms (ocular and dermatological disease) and, finally, in more recent times, to interrupt actual transmission of the parasite. Five major areas of onchocerciasis-related entomology (i.e. the effects of fly biting; vector competence and migration; epidemiology; vector control; and management of elimination programmes) illustrate the importance of entomology to achieving success in eliminating the transmission of Onchocerca volvulus; success that has already been achieved in four countries in Latin America and now in one country in Africa (Niger, 2024), the continent where the vast majority of remaining endemicity is found.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i5-i15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146167698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adult blackfly (Simulium damnosum s.l.) collection methods: overview and research needs.","authors":"Olabanji Surakat, Kareen Atekem, Arwa Elaagip, Franklin Ayisi, Lassane Koala, Adoum Mahamat, Dziedzom K de Souza, Anne Heggen, Jamie Tallant, Charles D Mackenzie, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag006","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihag006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>River blindness, caused by Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted by Simulium damnosum s.l., requires robust and ethical vector surveillance for its elimination. The human landing catch (HLC) remains the gold standard for collecting blackflies but presents ethical and operational challenges. This review evaluates alternative blackfly collection methods in relation to their effectiveness, consistency, operational feasibility and alignment with a target product profile (TPP) framework for field programmatic use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, WHO IRIS, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched through June 2024 using terms related to blackfly traps, vector collection and onchocerciasis. Peer-reviewed and selected grey literature in English and French was included. Data were thematically synthesised and grouped by trap type, assessing performance against defined TPP criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. The Esperanza window trap (EWT) and host decoy trap (HDT) achieved high catches in some settings, occasionally matching or surpassing HLC performance, though results varied by ecology. Modified HLC methods reduced exposure while maintaining yields but still required human participation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>No single alternative method consistently matched HLC across settings; however, optimized EWT and HDT designs show promise for ethical, effective onchocerciasis surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i38-i45"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223403/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing-African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control Collection: an electronic resource of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme and African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control experience and data to inform onchocerciasis elimination strategies.","authors":"Dziedzom K de Souza, Olabanji Surakat, Arwa Elaagip, Franklin Ayisi, Lassane Koala, Kareen Atekem, Charles D Mackenzie, Annette C Kuesel, Daniel A Boakye","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf090","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As countries progress from control of onchocerciasis as a public health problem to elimination of parasite transmission, more evidence on vector-related activities and transmission assessments is needed to inform WHO guidelines and country strategies to achieve the targets of the 2030 Neglected Tropical Disease Roadmap. For vector-borne diseases, entomology plays a critical role in the elimination and verification of transmission based on vector infectivity. The vector control-based Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) in West Africa, 1974-2002, had accumulated relevant experience and data. The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC; 1995-2015) extended onchocerciasis control, based primarily on mass ivermectin administration, to all African endemic countries and supported many implementation research projects. OCP and APOC documents, previously available only in hard copy from OCP or APOC, are now accessible in the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (WHO IRIS). Most documents cover numerous topics and include large amounts of unpublished data. Here, we provide an overview of the OCP and APOC documents in IRIS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We reviewed and summarised the documents in WHO IRIS as a resource to guide current elimination efforts. We also provided examples for potential uses of the information for mapping, diagnostics, entomology and social science research to the preparation of elimination dossiers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The APOC Collection included 8150 documents. Of these, 3895 were in English and 4194 in French. Topics covered in the documents include community-directed treatment with ivermectin, cytotaxonomy, diagnosis, drug effectiveness, environmental modification, epidemiology, health economics, impact assessment, insecticide resistance, larviciding, mapping, programme implementation, slash and burn, transmission assessment and vector control.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The APOC Collection in WHO IRIS makes the wealth of OCP and APOC experience and data available to the onchocerciasis control/elimination and research community.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"i16-i22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223399/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}