Value of investing in neglected tropical diseases : an investment case for the elimination and eradication of onchocerciasis (river blindness)

Elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has emerged on the global agenda. This PhD research developed an investment case for the elimination and eradication of onchocerciasis (river blindness) which is one of the NTDs endemic in Africa. This study developed elimination strategies, predicted the timelines of elimination, the needs for treatments, economic costs, health and economic impacts, and health-systems impacts for each potential strategy, and assessed income inequality associated with the level of endemicity. The results show that the elimination and eradication of onchocerciasis will be economically dominant over the control of the disease, relieve the burden on health systems in terms of health workforce and outpatient services, and contribute to the social justice by relieving economic inequality and preventing social stigma and psychological negative impacts on infected persons.