Tackling onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: new evidence and recommendations for policymaker

Contents

1. Abstract
2. Citation
3. Links

Abstract

This study in South Sudan evaluated a community-based programme to protect children from developing onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE, or 'river epilepsy'), and to improve the treatment and care of persons with epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic regions.

The policy brief describes the project, the scale of the challenge globally and in South Sudan, its social and economic impacts, and results of the intervention, recommendations and references.

The interventions were found to be extremely effective, delivering a 2% reduction in epilepsy incidence, 99% reduction in blackfly biting rates, 90% increase in reported quality of life of people receiving epilepsy treatment and care, and a 15.8% increase in coverage of ivermectin (to 56.6%).

Results demonstrate that OAE is preventable and treatable. However, additional community engagement efforts are still needed to increase ivermectin coverage to 80% of the population, the level required to fully eliminate onchocerciasis.

This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme.

Citation

Stephen R Jada and others. 'Research snapshot: improving the mental health of male refugees' Elrha, 2023

Links

Tackling onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: new evidence and recommendations for policymaker