WHO Onchocerciasis Technical Advisory Subgroup: report of the eighth meeting, Toledo, Spain, 9–12 December 2024

Overview

The eighth meeting of the WHO Onchocerciasis Technical Advisory Subgroup (OTS) was held on 9–12 December 2024 in Toledo, Spain. The meeting commenced with the introduction of new members and the appointment of Dr Clara Jones as Chair, with Dr Paul Cantey as co-Chair during the transition period.

Discussions focused on alternative treatment strategies, new medicines, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), post-treatment surveillance (PTS) and the challenges of onchocerciasis treatment in areas co-endemic for Loa loa. Due to time limitations, the agenda items on Dossier template and verification process, Passive surveillance, NOEC manual, Integrated PVS toolkit and Laboratory bench aids were not discussed.