District Elimination Mapping of Onchocerciasis in Burundi: Assessing Sampling Strategies for Onchocerciasis Elimination Mapping (OEM)

Mapping of untreated areas that may have ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis is a critical next step in the path to eliminate onchocerciasis. While the Onchocerciasis Technical Subgroup (OTS) at the World Health Organization is tasked with developing the mapping strategy, operational research is urgently needed to inform the components of this mapping approach. Multi-country studies will generate the data required to inform the number of sites to sample, the method of selection, the optimal age group, and Ov16 threshold to trigger mass drug administration. In Burundi, 3 districts were included in operational research for onchocerciasis elimination mapping (OEM). In each district, three methods were used: quota sampling of 300 individuals in each of 4 first-line villages, household random sampling of 1500 community members in each of 30 randomly-selected communities, and random sampling of 1500 children ages 10-14 in each of 30 schools selected to pair with each community. All participants were tested with Wb123/Ov16 biplex RDT and DBS were taken for Ov16 ELISA analysis. The fieldwork and laboratory analysis for this study have been completed.