Integration of onchocerciasis morbidity management and disability prevention services in the healthcare system in Tanzania: a call for action and recommendations

Vivian Mushi; Bruno P Mmbando; Robert Colebunders

doi:10.1186/s40794-023-00211-y

Integration of onchocerciasis morbidity management and disability prevention services in the healthcare system in Tanzania: a call for action and recommendations

Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines. 2024 Jan 2;10(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s40794-023-00211-y.

Authors

Vivian Mushi^{1

2}, Bruno P Mmbando³, Robert Colebunders⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. vmushi31@gmail.com.
² Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. vmushi31@gmail.com.
³ National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
⁴ Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Abstract

Onchocerciasis is among the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) responsible for dermatological, ophthalmological, and neurological manifestations. With the ongoing burden of onchocerciasis clinical manifestations, morbidity management, and disability prevention services are required to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations. Unfortunately, despite the ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis, morbidity management, and disability prevention services are limited in Tanzania. Therefore, this article highlights the concept of onchocerciasis morbidity management and disability prevention, along with the significance of its adoption in the healthcare system in Tanzania. We further provide recommendations on where and how to start.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Ivermectin and Tanzania; Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention; Onchocerciasis.

Publication types

Letter