Impact of the - Abstract
Introduction: There is an increasing need in combining to ivermectin mass distribution, complementary strategies to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in endemic areas. In this context, the physical destruction of Simulium breeding sites was piloted in Pouth-Kelle community.
Material and Methods: The S&C was implemented in Pouth-Kelle by community volunteers at a regular frequency in the river section of ? 3 kilometers. The study was carried out over 2 years between January 2021 and December 2022. Adult female blackflies were collected 3 days per month by human landing catch technique and the S&C vector control was implemented once a month at regular frequency in 2022. Its ownership and sustainability in the surveyed community were investigated among community members.
Results: A total of 10,599 female blackflies were collected over the study period, including 9,163 specimens in 2021 and 1,436 in 2022. During the S&C vector control implementation in 2022, the reduction in the number of bites varied between 70% and 100%. Regarding the importance of the tested vector control strategy, 97% of the interviewees said it was highly beneficial for the community with a drastic reduction of blackfly nuisance observed in 2022. Its ownership by the community was conditioned by financial and material incentives.
Conclusion: The S&C vector control trial led to a significant reduction in blackfly aggressiveness in the Pouth-Kelle community. Although this approach provides well-being for community residents, its ownership and sustainability remain an issue to be considered for a decision-making in endemic communities, local healthcare systems and professionals.