Onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso: A re-emerging vector-borne endemic disease

Burkina Faso, like other countries, reported a focal interruption of onchocerciasis transmission and was thus placed under post-therapeutic surveillance. However, the country seems to be experiencing a resurgence of the disease according to recent surveys at certain sentinel sites and data from various surveys. The aim of our study is to take stock of the evolution of the current epidemiological situation of onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso. For data collection, in addition to the scientific articles, we have used data from different epidemiological and entomological surveys conducted by the National Program for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (PNLMTN) through its onchocerciasis elimination unit in Burkina Faso. Prior to implementation of the Onchocerciasis Control Program in West Africa (OCP), Burkina Faso had onchocerciasis prevalence between 60% and 80%. In 2002, the maximum prevalence dropped to 15%. However, in 2010 and 2011, epidemiological surveys indicated that some villages in the Comoé River basin had prevalence rate ranging from 0.7% to 71%. Thirteen (13) villages had prevalence rates above the tolerable threshold of 5%. Despite the implementation of the community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) since 2011, recent surveys show a tendency for a recrudescence of the disease in some sites, yet covered by the TIDC. This suggests that the elimination of onchocerciasis requires the integration of new control strategies. Thus, an essential condition for the elimination of onchocerciasis is the analysis of the situation in each focus in order to define the most cost-effective strategy for permanently interrupting the transmission of the parasite. National onchocerciasis elimination committees put in place will play a key role in determining the best strategy.