Strategies and Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of War-Facilitated Onchocerciasis Reemergence in Sudan

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease that has severe health and socioeconomic impacts on the mostly poor and underserved communities in disease-endemic areas. Despite significant global progress toward the elimination of onchocerciasis transmission there remains a high risk of reemergence in areas where the disease was previously eliminated. Here we discuss the potential risk factors for the reemergence of onchocerciasis in disease-free zones in Sudan and nearby countries resulting from war-induced massive population displacement. We urge public health, humanitarian, and development stakeholders to invest in policymaking, strategic planning, resource mobilization, and development and implementation of sustainable and cost-effective prevention and control interventions for onchocerciasis, particularly among the most vulnerable high-risk populations.