Table 1.
Updated criteria for OAE [2].
Fig 1.
Collaboration between onchocerciasis elimination and mental health surveillance programmes.
In the proposed framework, onchocerciasis mapping efforts should encompass OAE surveillance using simple criteria (Table 2). High onchocerciasis prevalence and/or ongoing transmission warrants reinforcement of onchocerciasis elimination and epilepsy assessment. Detected epilepsy hotspots should become targets for improved management strategies in collaboration with mental health experts. ATS, alternative treatment strategy; CDTI, community-directed treatment with ivermectin; MMDP, morbidity management and disability prevention; NOEC, national onchocerciasis elimination committees; OAE, onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.
Table 2.
Challenges, opportunities, and needs to fully recognise the public health importance of OAE and use its advocacy to strengthen onchocerciasis elimination programmes.