Publications by authors named "Moses Tionga"
Mvolo County, an Onchocerciasis Endemic Area in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan: An Entomological Study to Prepare for a "Slash and Clear" Community-Based Vector Control Intervention.
Res Rep Trop Med
June 2024
Background: Mvolo in Western Equatoria of South Sudan has been a hotspot for transmission since the 1940s. In Mvolo onchocerciasis is a disease of public health importance, associated with onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy including nodding syndrome.
Methods: We conducted an entomological study to map the breeding sites of blackflies (Simulium damnosum, sens lato) on the river Naam, to allow the removal of vegetation from vector breeding sites, the "slash and clear".
Objective: To assess the community's perception of epilepsy and its treatment in onchocerciasis-endemic villages of Maridi County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. The study was conducted prior to the setting up of a community-based intervention to manage the important disease burden caused by onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in these villages.
Method: Five focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with community leaders and with persons with epilepsy (PWE) and their families between November and December 2019.
Article Synopsis
- Epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa presents significant public health challenges, especially in rural areas like Maridi and Amadi in South Sudan, where stigma, treatment gaps, and high costs are prevalent for persons with epilepsy (PWE).
- Community-based surveys revealed higher stigma levels and costs associated with epilepsy in Maridi compared to Amadi, with the main expenses related to purchasing anti-epileptic drugs.
- Addressing stigma, increasing accessibility to epilepsy treatments, and educational efforts could enhance the quality of life for PWE and alleviate their economic burdens.