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Call made for integrated control of malaria and neglected tropical diseases

3 Jul 2008

Paul Chinnock

Source: Afriquenligne (see original article)

Meeting venue: the Addis Ababa Hilton Hotel

An expert gathering has concluded that the experiences of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) have demonstrated that control of neglected tropical diseases can be successfully integrated with malaria control programmes. It has been shown that distribution of drugs, vitamin A capsules and insecticide-treated bednets can be more effectively achieved if these activities are combined.

The disease control experts met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in June to discuss the achievements made in the control of onchocerciasis (river blindness) in Africa since 1997 when community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), also known as the community-directed intervention (CDI) approach, was introduced. They recommended that countries should adopt the CDI strategy for, ‘scaling up integration and co-implementation of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with malaria control interventions to increase access of hard-to-reach communities.’

The Addis Ababa meeting was a follow-up to one held in Brazzaville, Congo, last year. It was attended by senior health officials from six countries – Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and the host country, Ethiopia. Representatives were also present from the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, the Carter Centre, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Sightsavers International and CBM (the former Christian Blind Mission).

Ethiopian health minister Dr Shiferaw Teklemariam told the meeting that, ‘Onchocerciasis control is an ongoing success story from which we need to draw lessons badly needed to successfully deal with the other neglected tropical diseases.’

Access the full news story on Afriquenligne.

See also a recent report that has been featured onTropIKA.net.