“Burden of Onchocerciasis Associated Epilepsy and Impact of the Bi-annual Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin on control of Onchocerciasis in Mahenge, Tanzania”
Country of Study
Tanzania
Institution
University of Dar es Salaam
Expected Year of Completion
2026
Thematic Area
Health and Life Sciences
Education
Vivian holds a Master of Science degree in Tropical Diseases Control from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Zoology with a focus on Parasitology at the University of Dar es Salaam. Vivian has completed her coursework and successfully defended her research proposal. She is expected to complete her PhD in May 2026.
Research Summary
Vivian’s research investigates the ongoing challenges in controlling onchocerciasis in Mahenge, Tanzania, despite over two decades of annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). With transmission persisting and a 40% seroprevalence of Onchocerca volvulus antibodies in children, along with a 0.57% blackfly infection rate, the study assesses the burden of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) and explores the impact of switching from annual to bi-annual CDTI. The research will involve clinical, parasitological, entomological, and anthropological data collection, including blood samples, blackfly testing, and community interviews. By comparing baseline data from 2017/2018 with follow-up surveys after eight rounds of bi-annual treatment, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bi-annual CDTI in reducing transmission and OAE burden, providing insights for improving onchocerciasis control strategies in Tanzania.
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