Browsing by Author "Ngbede, Daniel"

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    Factors associated with vector control for onchocerciasis control in sub-Saharan Africa (2000 – 2023) : a systematic review
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngbede, Daniel; Kagura, Juliana; Mall, Sumaya
    Background: Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease and the second most common infectious cause of blindness worldwide, after trachoma. The vector which carries this parasite is a blackfly from the simulium genus, the parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black fly during a blood meal. Alternative control strategies such as local vector control have been employed to complement the mass administration of ivermectin. There remains no synthesis of studies that have examined the use of vector control for onchocerciasis in the Sub- Saharan African (SSA) region. Objective: To examine the factors associated with vector control in the fight against onchocerciasis in Sub-Saharan Africa as through synthesis of the literature. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. Studies had to be published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2000 and March 2023. Data were extracted from the studies. Two independent reviewers conducted quality assessments using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Results: Our search identified 343 studies of which 19 were included in this review. Several factors were found to influence blackfly vector control programs. Programmatic factors include intervention duration and effectiveness, implementation challenges, resource availability, and larvicide application practices. Vector-related factors include blackfly susceptibility to larvicides, species variation, and genetic mechanisms of resistance. Environmental factors such as rainfall patterns, river size, and the presence of dams affect blackfly breeding sites. Human-related factors encompassed community knowledge and engagement, commitment to sustainability, and human activities that impacted breeding habitats. Overall, the quality of the included studies was found to be high as per the quality appraisal tool. Conclusion: This systematic review emphasizes the importance of considering multiple factors in the design and implementation of effective blackfly vector control programs for onchocerciasis in sub-Saharan Africa. Programmatic challenges, vector biology, environmental factors, and human factors should be considered. Policymakers and public health practitioners should optimize interventions based on these findings