UNITAR Online Catalogue
Onchocerciasis: training of health workers at national and district levels on skin-NTDs
The Defeat NCD Partnership
Background
Onchocerciasis – or “river blindness” – is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus transmitted by repeated bites of infected blackflies (Simulium spp.). These blackflies breed along fast-flowing rivers and streams, close to remote villages located near fertile land where people rely on agriculture.
Event Objectives
Describe an overview of onchocerciasis as a Skin-NTD
Describe the epidemiology of onchocerciasis
List the clinical features, differential diagnosis and impact of onchocercal skin disease
Outline the diagnosis, treatment, control, complications and referrals of onchocerciasis
Describe the global, national and district situation of onchocerciasis as well as the global elimination strategy
Describe the recording and reporting of onchocerciasis and the impact of public health interventions for onchocerciasis
Targeted Audience
Frontline health workers at national and district levels on skin-NTDs