This event has already taken place. You can watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B27MlXzvRbw
Session topic: Accelerating Onchocerciasis Elimination in Mali – Towards High Coverage and Acceptability of Mass Drug Administration among Hard-to-Reach Populations” is a project using a mixed methods implementation research approach to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination to attain hard-to-reach and migrant populations in selected regions of Mali. The research will describe the characteristics, movements, and socio-cultural dynamics of hard-to-reach people living in specific regions of Mali, determine the factors (barriers/facilitators) that influence the acceptability of MDA (Mass Drug Administration) for onchocerciasis in selected districts from the perspective of the community, health personnel, and community drug distributors, inform an adapted approach to MDA in KA05 and distributor training in the six selected villages identified as hot spots in a recent survey, assess acceptability and coverage rates achieved during MDA with the treatment regimen used by the MOH in the study areas in Mali, and provide recommendations for improving acceptability and coverage in the communities. Cross-sectional pre- and post-MDA surveys, community mapping, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews will be conducted. Data collected through these activities will be analyzed and interpreted to provide recommendations for improved acceptability and coverage in the study communities and elsewhere with similar contexts.
Speaker bio:
Pr. Coulibaly holds a MD degree from the Faculty of Medicine of Bamako (Mali), a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (US), and a PhD in Tropical Medicine from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK). He currently leads the NTDs Research Unit of the NIH/NIAID International Center of Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali) and the Research and Training Department at the Dermatology Hospital of Bamako. He is member of several National NTDs boards in Mali including the Malian Onchocerciasis Experts Committee.
His research focuses mainly on lymphatic filariasis (LF) with clinical trials, immunological characteristics, and operational research on access to ivermectin, albendazole, and praziquantel. His research extends to other neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis. His laboratory is the technical arm of the onchocerciasis, LF, and schistosomiasis control/elimination programs in Mali. He is teaching the Neglected Tropical Diseases Epidemiology and the Clinical Epidemiology classes for the Master of Public Health Program at the Faculty of Medicine of Bamako. He managed several research studies based on both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Dr. Coulibaly is the author or coauthor of over 50 papers and book chapters.
About our Knowledge Exchange Cafés:
The Knowledge Exchange Café is a monthly event which will bring together individuals to network and learn from one another’s research and experience. The emphasis in these discussions will be on the social and behavioural sciences as they relate to Neglected Tropical Diseases and how they help reach the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap goals. Each Knowledge Exchange Café will include time for networking and conversation to facilitate interaction amongst attendees.
About iCHORDS:
iCHORDS (Improving Community Health Outcomes through Research, Dialogue and Systems Strengthening) Community of Practice is a platform for communication, collaboration and knowledge exchange within social and behavioural science research disciplines to address implementation gaps and current issues facing Neglected Tropical Disease programs.
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