Research as a Tool in the Elimination of Onchocerciasis_Juniper Publishers
Current Trends in Biomedical Engineering & Biosciences Juniper Publishers Adewale B* Mini Review Onchocerciasis is one of the five diseases referred to as preventive chemotherapy- Neglected Tropical Diseases (PC-NTDs). It affects 37 million people in 31 African countries as well as 3 countries in the Latin America and several areas in Yemen. Nigeria has the highest endemicity among countries responsible for 99% of infection globally. Blindness and severe skin manifestations are two major effects of the disease on affected populations with severe effects on affected communities. The disease is significantly a disease of the poor with economic implications resulting in further impoverishment of affected communities, a challenge to the achievement of SDGs 2 and 3 and national developmental goals. The main strategy for control in endemic countries is by mass ivermectin (Mectizan®) distribution. Mass distribution of ivermectin in Nigeria began in 1991 following survey