“Slash and clear”, a community-based vector control method to reduce onchocerciasis transmission by simulium sirbanum in Maridi, South Sudan
A prospective study.
Abstract
High ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission (the parasite causing onchocerciasis) was recently documented in Maridi County, South Sudan. To complement community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) as the main onchocerciasis control strategy, this study team also initiated a community-based vector control method “slash and clear” at the Maridi dam, a breeding site for blackflies that transmit the disease.
The “slash and clear” method was found to be an effective and cheap community-based method to reduce blackfly biting rates. When repeated at least annually together with a high CDTI coverage, this intervention has the potential to considerably accelerate onchocerciasis elimination.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme.
Citation
Raimon S, Lakwo TL, Sebit WJ, Siewe Fodjo JN, Alinda P, Carter JY, Post RJ, Colebunders R. ‘“Slash and clear”, a community-based vector control method to reduce onchocerciasis transmission by simulium sirbanum in Maridi, South Sudan: a prospective study’. Pathogens 2021: volume 10, issue 10, page 1329.