PROGRAMME AFRICAIN DE LUTTE CONTRE ONCHOCERCOS (APOC)

The African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) emphasizes the participation of communities themselves, and the partnership between affected communities, participating countries, NGDOs, donors and the private sector. Onchocerciasis is a major public health problem due to blindness and onchodermatitis with all its procession of psychosocial disorders (intense pruritus, negative impact on family and community life, etc.). The program includes a series of actions and initiatives that will positively address this scourge and its health and socio-economic consequences. APOC through the elimination of onchocerciasis will contribute to the reduction of morbidity, and to the establishment of a better state of health, factor of development. By its regional character, it opens the prospects of a cooperation in epidemiological surveillance and fight against other diseases with epidemic potential such as HIV / AIDS, cholera, meningitis and Ebola. The program consists of the following four components: (i) Community-based distribution of ivermectin; (ii) Point elimination of the vector; (iii) Operational research and impact assessment; and (iv) Program Management.