INTEGRATED CONTROL OF ONCHOCERCA-VOLVULUS INFECTION IN A HYPERENDEMICZONE IN SIERRA-LEONE

A simplified integrated method of onchocerciasis control involving mas s chemotherapy with ivermectin, nodulectomy and health education was c arried out in south central Sierra Leone. The prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus in the village community ranged from a low of 7.4% among the International School children to a high of 97.0% in Gbessebu. There w as a significant (3-4%) overall reduction in the rate of infection aft er one year of ivermectin treatment (G=2565.97, df=11, P<0.001). In ad dition, ivermectin treatment had a significant effect on the college c ommunity (G=1168.21, df=5, P<0.001) and from year to year (0=187.29, d f=1, P<0.001), though the effect indicates the reduction varied betwee n communities. Mass ivermectin treatment significantly (G=13.79, df=1, P<0.005) reduced the rate of infection among school children, while t he prevalence and intensity of infection was reduced by nodulectomy. H ealth education involving the community gave us an entry point and all owed us to gain the maximum cooperation and participation from the com munities.