A Test-and-Not-Treat Strategy for Onchocerciasis Elimination in Loa loa–coendemic Areas: Cost Analysis of a Pilot in the Soa Health District, Cameroon

Abstract

TaNT clearly provides a safe strategy for large-scale ivermectin treatment and overcomes a major obstacle to the elimination of onchocerciasis in areas coendemic for Loa loa. Although it is more expensive than standard CDTI, costs vary depending on the setting, the implementation choices made by the institutions involved, and the community participation rate. Research on the required duration of TaNT is needed to improve the affordability assessment, and more experience is needed to understand how to implement TaNT optimally.