Control, Elimination, and Eradication Efforts for Neglected Tropical Diseases

Ending disease in Africa: control, elimination, and eradication efforts for neglected tropical diseases, scoping review of the literature in the WHO African Region since 1990.

This report provides a description of the published literature focusing on NTD control, elimination, and eradication in the WHO African Region since the 1990s. In addition to the focus on peer-reviewed literature, it is important to also investigate and discuss implementation of NTD control programmes in the region, as there is a need to standardize the diagnostic tools, MDA campaigns, and monitoring and evaluation activities for NTD programmes. Such standardization will allow for improved comparisons of NTD elimination, eradication, and control efforts, both within countries and between countries. 

A more integrated approach – rather than focusing on specific diseases, individually – can maximize the impact of available resources. Additionally, more attention is needed on NTD elimination, eradication, and control efforts among mobile or displaced populations, as these important subpopulations may be a source of re-emergence or recrudescence as countries move to interrupt transmission. Similarly, there is a need to address the NTD elimination, eradication, and control efforts in areas that are hard to reach, either due to remoteness or security concerns. Further, the establishment of academic partnerships or regional centers of excellence could be beneficial. 

The findings from this review can contribute to regional strategy and position to further NTD control, elimination, and eradication initiatives and contribute to the scientific evidence base generated within the African continent.