National onchocerciasis elimination committees: a handbook for expert advisory groups in Africa

Overview

National onchocerciasis elimination committees (NOECs) play a vital role in national neglected tropical disease (NTD) programmes. The purpose of this handbook is to provide practical guidance on:

• how to establish an NOEC – defining objectives, setting up a formal committee, selecting committee members, drafting terms of reference and engaging the right people;
• how to operate an NOEC – guiding implementation of national strategic plans, establishing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, creating annual work plans, designing contingency plans and reporting on progress; and
• how to use the tools available to NOECs – making the best use of tools for onchocerciasis surveillance and monitoring, communication, resource mobilization and capacity-building.

The guidance is informed by successful country case studies and lessons learnt that can be adapted to your country.

This handbook is intended for NOEC chairs and members, national programmes, health officials and anyone involved in onchocerciasis elimination efforts.

This handbook was developed through an extensive global consultative process involving NOECs, national programmes and other key stakeholders.