Entomological manual for onchocerciasis elimination programmes

Overview

Medical entomology is essential for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases, particularly onchocerciasis. However, there is a shortage of medical entomologists worldwide, especially in countries that are most affected by these diseases, where resources are scarce and promising job opportunities are not offered by the medical entomology sector. Training more health and field workers in entomology therefore remains a critical gap, as highlighted in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030.

This manual is a new resource for strengthening the capacity of scientists combatting onchocerciasis. It will be a fundamental tool in the last mile as we approach elimination of onchocerciasis, where entomological evaluations and surveillance will be required in all endemic countries in order to achieve verification of elimination.