Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 (the NTD Road Map) sets explicit targets for the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030, including eliminating the need for mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin in at least one focus in 34 countries, in more than 50% of the population in at least 16 countries, and in the entire endemic population in at least 12 countries. The Road Map also targets interruption of onchocercal transmission in 12 countries by 2030. Achieving these targets and milestones will require a number of critical actions. These include establishing a well-coordinated global partnership to connect stakeholders and existing partnerships at all levels in order to improve coordination and collaboration, accelerate technical progress, implement a harmonized research agenda and enhance service delivery.
To address these challenges and opportunities and advance critical actions, the World Health Organization (WHO), Member States and partners have established a Global Onchocerciasis Network for Elimination (GONE) to strengthen collaboration and communication and assist Member States with achieving the road map’s onchocerciasis elimination targets. GONE is a country-driven initiative focused on the NTD Road Map and supported by WHO that will emphasize pragmatic and flexible solutions, to ensure that the needs of individual country programs are met. The network will work to intensify integrated, cross-cutting approaches and advocate nationally and internationally, so that the drive to eliminate onchocerciasis goes all the way, down to the very last mile.
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