Delineation of onchocerciasis operational transmission zones of Burkina Faso

Lassane Koala; Nikiema Sindimbasba Achille; Compaoré Justin; Bougouma Clarisse; Ouedraogo Mathias; Adjami Gilles Aimé; Sanon Karim; Sanfo Sounkalo Moussa; Tirados Iniaki; Bessell Richard Paul; Kafando Claude Montant; Traoré Soungalo; Boakye Adjei Daniel; Roch Kounbobr Dabiré

doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihag010

Delineation of onchocerciasis operational transmission zones of Burkina Faso

Lassane Koala
, Nikiema Sindimbasba Achille
, Compaoré Justin
, Bougouma Clarisse
, Ouedraogo Mathias
, Adjami Gilles Aimé
, Sanon Karim
, Sanfo Sounkalo Moussa
, Tirados Iniaki
, Bessell Richard Paul
, Kafando Claude Montant
, Traoré Soungalo
, Boakye Adjei Daniel
, Roch Kounbobr Dabiré

Vector Biology

Centre national de recherche scientifique et technologique, Burkina Faso
Ministère de la santé
World Health Organization
The END (Ending Neglected Diseases) Fund

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Background: Defining the transmission zones for onchocerciasis is a critical first step needed in an endemic country aiming to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis. The process focuses on defining the geographical boundaries of areas where onchocerciasis transmission could persist with minimal influence from neighbouring regions. The use of operational transmission zones (OTZs) allows for assessment of interruption of onchocerciasis transmission with greater certainty within endemic countries.

Methods: We used available environmental, epidemiological and entomological data on onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso from the inception of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme to the present day. This information, together with field assessments, allowed delineation of OTZs across the whole country.

Results: Six OTZs were identified: Comoé-Léraba, Dienkoa, Bas-Mouhoun, Volta, Boucle du Mouhoun and Gourma.

Conclusions: Delineation of the onchocerciasis OTZs of Burkina Faso will facilitate the implementation of future interventions and assessment of the progress towards disease elimination within the country and bordering regions.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	i81-i88
Journal	International Health
Volume	18
Issue number	S1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihag010
Publication status	Published - 1 Jun 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

elimination program
onchocerciasis
operational transmission zones
river basins

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10.1093/inthealth/ihag010Licence: CC BY-NC

ihag010Final published version, 1.19 MBLicence: CC BY-NC

Cite this

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title = "Delineation of onchocerciasis operational transmission zones of Burkina Faso",

abstract = "Background: Defining the transmission zones for onchocerciasis is a critical first step needed in an endemic country aiming to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis. The process focuses on defining the geographical boundaries of areas where onchocerciasis transmission could persist with minimal influence from neighbouring regions. The use of operational transmission zones (OTZs) allows for assessment of interruption of onchocerciasis transmission with greater certainty within endemic countries. Methods: We used available environmental, epidemiological and entomological data on onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso from the inception of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme to the present day. This information, together with field assessments, allowed delineation of OTZs across the whole country. Results: Six OTZs were identified: Como{\'e}-L{\'e}raba, Dienkoa, Bas-Mouhoun, Volta, Boucle du Mouhoun and Gourma. Conclusions: Delineation of the onchocerciasis OTZs of Burkina Faso will facilitate the implementation of future interventions and assessment of the progress towards disease elimination within the country and bordering regions.",

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author = "Lassane Koala and Achille, \{Nikiema Sindimbasba\} and Compaor{\'e} Justin and Bougouma Clarisse and Ouedraogo Mathias and Aim{\'e}, \{Adjami Gilles\} and Sanon Karim and Moussa, \{Sanfo Sounkalo\} and Tirados Iniaki and Paul, \{Bessell Richard\} and Montant, \{Kafando Claude\} and Traor{\'e} Soungalo and Daniel, \{Boakye Adjei\} and Dabir{\'e}, \{Roch Kounbobr\}",

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doi = "10.1093/inthealth/ihag010",

language = "English",

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T1 - Delineation of onchocerciasis operational transmission zones of Burkina Faso

AU - Koala, Lassane

AU - Achille, Nikiema Sindimbasba

AU - Justin, Compaoré

AU - Clarisse, Bougouma

AU - Mathias, Ouedraogo

AU - Aimé, Adjami Gilles

AU - Karim, Sanon

AU - Moussa, Sanfo Sounkalo

AU - Iniaki, Tirados

AU - Paul, Bessell Richard

AU - Montant, Kafando Claude

AU - Soungalo, Traoré

AU - Daniel, Boakye Adjei

AU - Dabiré, Roch Kounbobr

PY - 2026/6/1

Y1 - 2026/6/1

N2 - Background: Defining the transmission zones for onchocerciasis is a critical first step needed in an endemic country aiming to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis. The process focuses on defining the geographical boundaries of areas where onchocerciasis transmission could persist with minimal influence from neighbouring regions. The use of operational transmission zones (OTZs) allows for assessment of interruption of onchocerciasis transmission with greater certainty within endemic countries. Methods: We used available environmental, epidemiological and entomological data on onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso from the inception of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme to the present day. This information, together with field assessments, allowed delineation of OTZs across the whole country. Results: Six OTZs were identified: Comoé-Léraba, Dienkoa, Bas-Mouhoun, Volta, Boucle du Mouhoun and Gourma. Conclusions: Delineation of the onchocerciasis OTZs of Burkina Faso will facilitate the implementation of future interventions and assessment of the progress towards disease elimination within the country and bordering regions.

AB - Background: Defining the transmission zones for onchocerciasis is a critical first step needed in an endemic country aiming to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis. The process focuses on defining the geographical boundaries of areas where onchocerciasis transmission could persist with minimal influence from neighbouring regions. The use of operational transmission zones (OTZs) allows for assessment of interruption of onchocerciasis transmission with greater certainty within endemic countries. Methods: We used available environmental, epidemiological and entomological data on onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso from the inception of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme to the present day. This information, together with field assessments, allowed delineation of OTZs across the whole country. Results: Six OTZs were identified: Comoé-Léraba, Dienkoa, Bas-Mouhoun, Volta, Boucle du Mouhoun and Gourma. Conclusions: Delineation of the onchocerciasis OTZs of Burkina Faso will facilitate the implementation of future interventions and assessment of the progress towards disease elimination within the country and bordering regions.

KW - elimination program

KW - onchocerciasis

KW - operational transmission zones

KW - river basins

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AN - SCOPUS:105040866838

SN - 1876-3413

VL - 18

SP - i81-i88

JO - International Health

JF - International Health

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ER -

Delineation of onchocerciasis operational transmission zones of Burkina Faso

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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