Progress towards the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in four counties of Eastern Equatoria State, Republic of South Sudan.

Background: Trachoma is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Trachoma impact surveys using standardised methodology are recommended to monitor progress towards elimination and to determine eligibility for continued surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement (SAFE) interventions. From 2007 to 2015, four counties of Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, received three to five rounds of mass drug administration with antibiotics.

Correlates of Trachoma Recrudescence: Results from 51 District-Level Trachoma Surveillance Surveys in Amhara, Ethiopia.

Trachoma recrudescence is a serious concern for trachoma control programs. Programs define recrudescence as the return of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence above elimination threshold (≥5%) on district-level trachoma surveillance surveys (TSSs). This study aimed to determine potential correlates of trachoma recrudescence within a historically highly endemic region.

Pilot introduction of long-lasting insecticidal nets and hammock nets in the indigenous Comarca of Guna Yala, Panama.

Background: After almost 70 years of using indoor residual spraying (IRS) as the primary intervention for malaria vector control, the Republic of Panama wanted to evaluate the operational feasibility and acceptability of distributing long-lasting insecticidal hammock nets (LLIHNs) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in the country.

Methods: A pilot study conducted in 2019 distributed LLINs and LLIHNs to cover all sleeping spaces in 15 high burden localities of the indigenous Comarca of Guna Yala and measured retention, coverage, use and physical deterioration, washing and drying practices, as well as people's satisfaction with product characteristics post-distribution.

Results: Overall, 89.

Malaria surveillance and case management in remote and indigenous communities of Panama: results from a community-based health worker pilot.

Background: Panama is one of eight countries in Mesoamerica that aims to eliminate malaria by 2022. Malaria is concentrated in indigenous and remote regions like Guna Yala, a politically autonomous region where access to health services is limited and cases are predominately detected through intermittent active surveillance. To improve routine access to care, a joint effort was made by Guna Yala authorities and the Ministry of Health to pilot a network of community health workers (CHWs) equipped with rapid diagnostic tests and treatment.

Anopheles drivers of persisting malaria transmission in Guna Yala, Panamá: an operational investigation.

Background: Though most of Panamá is free from malaria, localized foci of transmission persist, including in the Guna Yala region. Government-led entomological surveillance using an entomological surveillance planning tool (ESPT) sought to answer programmatically-relevant questions that would enhance the understanding of both local entomological drivers of transmission and gaps in protection that result in persisting malaria transmission to guide local vector control decision-making.

Methods: The ESPT was used to design a sampling plan centered around the collection of minimum essential indicators to investigate the relevance of LLINs and IRS in the communities of Permé and Puerto Obaldía, Guna Yala, as well as to pinpoint any remaining spaces and times where humans are exposed to Anopheles bites (gaps in protection).