AID grant no. 624-0007-G-SS-1085-00 to AFRICARE for the ivermectin delivery program for the prevention of the recurrence of onchocerciasis in Nigeria

Africare will work with the Gongola State Ministry of Health (GSMOH) to strengthen local capacities in drug distribution, epidemiologic surveillance, and recordkeeping. The project will strengthen the capacity of local government health services and church health services to: conduct health education to promote public acceptance of annual mass distribution of ivermectin tablets; train community-based workers (CBWs) in how to distribute the drug and manage reactions to it; supervise CBWs; and motivate field workers (health professionals and CBWs), using monetary or other incentives. The project will also develop the capacity of the GSMOH to supervise the local and church health services. Recordkeeping will be strengthened at appropriate levels to ensure that beneficiaries receive the complete course of treatment. Because ivermectin must be taken annually for a minimum of 12 years (the life span of the filariasis parasite) it is crucial that the local health services develop the skills to manage a long-term, sustainable program. Epidemiologic surveys will be carried out to identify endemic communities, and in the first year, the project will distribute ivermectin to a minimum of 25,000 people in 3 local government areas in the Gongola State, with another 50,000 people beginning treatment during the project"s remaining 2 years.