The World Health Organization estimates that 123
million people live where river blindness is
endemic and that 17.7 million people are infected
with Onchocerca volvulus. Lymphatic filariasis is a
painful and profoundly disfiguring disease which has
major social and economic impacts. Currently World
Health Organization and World Bank have an African
Program for Onchocerciasis Control and a global
program for elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
Epidemiological and parasitological study was
conducted in Anfilo Woreda to determine the
prevalence and distribution of Onchocerciasis and
Lymphatic filariasis.The study included 1114
inhabitants. Onchocerciasis was found in all study
areas with an overall prevalence of 74.8%. The
overall prevalence of Onchocercal Skin Disease
was found to be 26.4%. The new prevalence of
lymphatic filariasis was found to be 7.5%.
Onchocercal skin disease was found to affect
considerable number of population. Therefore, the
currently commenced community directed treatment
with ivermectin should be enhanced. Moreover, there
should also be health education on transmission of
the disease and control of vector.
million people live where river blindness is
endemic and that 17.7 million people are infected
with Onchocerca volvulus. Lymphatic filariasis is a
painful and profoundly disfiguring disease which has
major social and economic impacts. Currently World
Health Organization and World Bank have an African
Program for Onchocerciasis Control and a global
program for elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
Epidemiological and parasitological study was
conducted in Anfilo Woreda to determine the
prevalence and distribution of Onchocerciasis and
Lymphatic filariasis.The study included 1114
inhabitants. Onchocerciasis was found in all study
areas with an overall prevalence of 74.8%. The
overall prevalence of Onchocercal Skin Disease
was found to be 26.4%. The new prevalence of
lymphatic filariasis was found to be 7.5%.
Onchocercal skin disease was found to affect
considerable number of population. Therefore, the
currently commenced community directed treatment
with ivermectin should be enhanced. Moreover, there
should also be health education on transmission of
the disease and control of vector.