Publications by authors named "Lauri Bernard"
Article Synopsis
- A 2016 study in Uganda assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding river blindness (onchocerciasis) among 1,577 participants, 3-5 years after the halting of mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin in three regions.
- The results showed high overall awareness about river blindness (66.8-81.2%), but significant gaps existed, including a lack of awareness of blackfly transmission and confusion about the cessation of MDA, with many wanting it to resume.
- The study emphasizes the critical need for ongoing health education and clear communication about river blindness's status and the reasons for stopping MDA to support community understanding and health practices.
Wambabya-Rwamarongo onchocerciasis focus is one of the eight foci Uganda verified using the WHO verification guidelines. The approach for elimination was twice yearly treatment with ivermectin for every round, treating at least 90% of all the eligible population. This was in combination with vector elimination using Abate (BASF SE, Limburgerhof, Germany) since elimination nationwide policy was launched.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUganda has verified elimination of seven onchocerciasis foci since 2007 when the nationwide onchocerciasis elimination policy was launched. However, the Victoria Nile focus (which was eliminated in the early 1970s) had not been verified. The objective of this study was to verify this focus to the WHO verification guidelines and bring it in line with recently eliminated foci.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin must reach a high treatment coverage (90% of the eligible population) if onchocerciasis is to be eliminated. Questions have been raised as to whether reported treatment figures reaching such high coverage are reliable. Sample surveys are proposed as the method of choice for "validating" reported coverage figures.
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