Engaging the Community: An Interview with Uche Amazigo
2008
Interview with Uche Amazigo on Onchocerciasis Control
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Hannah Brown
Conclusion
The community-directed treatment strategy for onchocerciasis has proven effective and sustainable in improving health services in Africa.
Supporting Evidence
- APOC's strategy has led to countries where onchocerciasis is no longer a public health problem.
- Community volunteers have been shown to be more effective than the health system in some cases.
- Countries have started to reclaim land previously deserted due to blackfly presence.
Takeaway
This article talks about how communities in Africa are helping to treat a disease called river blindness by working together and using a special medicine.
Limitations
Community-directed treatment requires patience and commitment, which can be challenging for health program managers focused on quick results.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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