Low ivermectin use among 5- to 6-year-old children: observations from door-to-door surveys in onchocerciasis-endemic regions in Africa

• Published in: International health Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 72 - 75
• Main Authors: Siewe Fodjo, J N, Mubiru, F, Ukaga, C, Logora, M Y, Mmbando, B P, Mandro, M, Njamnshi, A K, Colebunders, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Africa - epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; Endemic Diseases - prevention & control; Female; Humans; Ivermectin - therapeutic use; Male; Observation; Onchocerciasis - epidemiology; Onchocerciasis - prevention & control; Short Communications; Surveys and Questionnaires; Africa; coverage; epilepsy; onchocerciasis; gender; ivermectin; age
• ISSN: 1876-3413; 1876-3405
• DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz044

Abstract During door-to-door surveys in onchocerciasis-endemic regions in Africa, the age-specific ivermectin coverage in 29 722 individuals was assessed. Children 5–6 y of age had significantly lower coverage compared with older participants. Insufficient ivermectin intake among young children could prolong onchocerciasis elimination prospects, as they may serve as human reservoirs of Onchocerca volvulus; moreover, it increases the risk of developing onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). The causes of the low ivermectin coverage observed among children 5–6 y of age need to be explored. Integrating ivermectin distribution into chemoprophylaxis strategies for other neglected diseases could increase coverage in a cost-effective manner.