| Abstract: | The Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP), initiated in 1974, covering eleven West African countries, aims at eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a disease of public health importance and as an obstacle to socioeconomic development. At the same time it should ensure that participating countries will be able to maintain the Programme's accomplishments after it has come to and end. In nearly all parts of the OCP-area interruption of transmission has been achieved by control of the vector of this parasitic infection, 'Simulium' (black-fly), through larviciding of breeding sites in rivers by helicopter. In view of the longevity of the adult worm of 'Onchocerca volvulus', which produces the microfilariae in the skin responsible for transmission by the vector, sustained vector control is required for a period of 14 years. Participating countries are presently preparing to take over onchocerciasis surveillance activities. A number of difficulties accompanying the devolutionary process, including the role of the drug ivermectin in disease and transmission control, are discussed. Bibliogr., sum. in English, French and Dutch. |
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