Improving onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy care pathways in the Mahenge area, Tanzania: preparing for the last mile of onchocerciasis elimination

Summary

This multi-disciplinary project will strengthen epilepsy care by establishing an electronic clinic database and enhancing local capacity for electroencephalogram use in epilepsy diagnosis and management. Educational tools will reduce epilepsy misconceptions, increase antiseizure medication (ASM) adherence and promote ivermectin uptake to prevent onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). Two Tanzanian post-doctoral researchers will be trained: one in onchocerciasis transmission modelling to assess elimination feasibility by 2030 and determine if alternative interventions are needed, and another in epilepsy diagnosis and management, focusing on advanced statistics and machine learning to optimise ASM therapy and address the lack of standardised treatment pathways for OAE. By integrating data-driven approaches, digital health systems and community engagement, this project will build local capacity and drive sustainable, evidence-based interventions for epilepsy and onchocerciasis control.

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