Report of the seventeenth session of the Joint Action Forum

JOINT ACTION FORUM Office of the Chairman l JAF..FAC: EIGHTEENTH SESSION Bujumbura, ll - 13 Decemberr20l2 FORUM D'ACTION COMMUNE Bureau du Pr6sident a African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control Programme africain de lutte contre l'onchocercose REPORT OF THE SEVENTEENTH SESSION OF THE JOINT ACTION FORUM JAF I8.4 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH October 2012 0 JAF I8.4 Page i Table of Content Acronyms Opening of the Session................. Election of officers... Adoption of the Agenda................. Reflections of the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies (CSA) WHO Progress Report... Country reports Role of women in the success of onchocerciasis prograrnme............... Report of the Technical Consultative Committee (TCC).... Status of Onchocerciasis Control in former OCp countries............... Elimination of Onchocet'ciasis transmission in Africa: recent evaluation studies and update on disease distribution map ............ co-implementarion: [ntegrated mapping of five NTDs and mapping of loisais (eye worm) - Co-lmplementation Capacity building of countries. Report of the CSA on the Future of ApOC Outcomes of the Closed Door Sessions on the Future of ApOC....... Health lmpact Assessment of African countries..... Current research within APOC and TDR collaboration Report of the NcDo coordination Group for onchocerciasis control Audit Report... Financing of the African programme for onchocerciasis control (Apoc) Amendments to Part II of the APOC Memorandum for ApOC:.......,........ Statement by Donors... Date and Venue of the l8,h session of JAF... Review of the Final Communiqud ................. Closure of the seventheenth JAF Session..... Annexes .. ... ...ii ...1 ...3 ... J ... 3 ... 4 ...5 .12 .13 l4 I t4 22 22 23 23 24 25 ..... t7 ... r9 ... l9 ...2t ...21 .....20 JAF I8.4 Page ii Acronyms AFRO/l.lTD AfBD APOC CAR CDDs CDI CDTI CSA DALYs DflD DRC HSAM HS ITNs JAF LLNs LF MDA MDCs MDP MoH MDSC NGDO NOTFs NTDs OCP PAB PHC SAEs SME SS STH TCC TDR UNICEF USAID WAHO wHo Regional Office for Africa/Neglected Tropical Diseases African Development Bank African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control Central African Republ ic Community Directed Distributors Community Directed lntervention Community Directed Treatment rvith Ivermectin Committee of Sponsoring Agencies Disability Adjusted Life Years Department for lntemational Development (U.K.) Democratic Republic of the Congo Health Education, Serrsitization. Advocacy and Mobilization Health System Insecticide Treated Nets Joint Action Forum Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets Lymphatic Filiariasis Mass Drug Admi nistration Millennium Development Goals Mectizan Donation Programme Ministry of Health Multi-Disease Survei I lance Centre Non-Governmental Development Organization National Onchocercias is Task Forces Neglected Tropical Diseases Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa Plan of Action and Budget Primary Health Care Serious Adverse Events Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation SightSavers Soil Transmitted Helminths Technical Consultative Committee Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases United Nations Children Fund United States Agency for International Development (U.S.A.) West African Health Organization World Health Organization a aJAF 18.4 Page I Opening of the Session l. The seventeenth Session of the Joint Action Forurn (JAF) ol the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) was hosted by the Kuwait Fund, from I 2 to 14 December 201 I in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The meeting was attended by Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers. Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Public Health and Disease Control of 24 APOC and former OCP countries, I 3 representatives of the donor community, the World Bank, the African Development Bank. WHO Headquarters in Ceneva. WHO/AFRO, the West African Health Organization, Senior Health Managers, Non-Governmental Development Organizations QrlGDOs), the Mectizan Donation prograrnme, Merck &Co.. Inc., Research lnstitutions, Directors and Coordinators of National Onchocerciasis Control Programmes, Representatives of the Statutory Bodies of APOC and invited Guesrs. A cornplete list of participants is attached as Annex l. 2. JAF thanked the Covernrnent of Kuwait for the warm hospitality. and the Kurvait Fund for hosting JAF I7. I The opening statement was presented by H.E Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. DeputyPrime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. who welcomed all the participants to the State of Kuwait for this important session of the Joint Action Forum. The meeting coincided with the 50'h anniversary of the State of Kuwait's independence as well as the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in 1961. The Kuwait Government, through the Kuwait Fund has had a long history rvith Onchocerciasis since OCP and therefore was privileged to host the l7'r'session of JAF. Being one of the oldest development institutions after the World Bank, the Fund is a key pillar to Kuwait foreign aid policy as it is striving to assist societies to prosper. Over the past five decades, the Fund has provided loans to over 100 nations for social and economic development. The Fund has contributed to the achievement of the MDCs (poverty alleviation). [n recent years, the Fund has expanded its activities to the health sector, including controlling diseases such as river blindness and others. 4. H.E Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah thanked the partners for their continued commitment arrd support to the Programme in confidence that the collective efforts would fulfil the vision of an African continent free from the scourge of the debilitating river blindness. The statement of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait is attached as annex 3. 5. Prof Chukwu Onyebuchi, Minister of Health, Nigeria, and outgoing Chair of JAF16, thanked thegovernment and people of Kuwait for the warm and cordial hospitality and exceptional arrangement forJAFl7. He congratulated the Kuwait Fund for its contribution to the aileviation of poverty in Africa and highlighted some of the key achievements of APOC in 2010-2011, including assistance to countries ro determine when and where ivermectin treatment can be safely stopped. He informed that elimination of Onchocerciasis infection has probably already been achieved in 12 iites/project areas (with a 7.4 millioninhabitans), out of 28 sites evaluated from 2008 to August 20 I I . The numbei of persons treated in 20 I 0 is 75.8 million, representing an increase of ll%o as compired to 68.4 millions treaied in 2009. The progress made in post conflict countries is remarkable because they achievedTl.oyotherapeutic coverage which is above the threshold of 65%o. In I I countries, 54.9 miliion people were reached with multiple healthinterventions usingcDl as a vehicle. This represents an increise'of 44%oover200g (3g millionreached).To ensure sustainability of CDI, APOC trained 538,827 Community-Directed Distiibutors (CDDs) and 51,292 health workers in l5 countries. The progress made in gender mainstreaming was also highlijhted.Prof onyebuchi aligns with the recommendations of the mid-term evaluation on elimination, co-implementation and the future of APOC as well as the guidance of the CSA and TCC. The statement ofthe Minister of Health of Nigeria is attached as annex 4. JAFI8.4 Page2 6. ln his first address to the JAF, the Director of APOC, Dr Paul Samson Lusamba-Dikassa mentioned that he has had the opportunity to witness the effectiveness of the vibrant unique partnership that has been leading the fight against onchocerciasis in Africa for more than three decades. Heiecognized the contribution and diligent support of the partners. In retrospect to the original mandate expecled to control onchocerciasis, he pointed out the good news that elimination of the disease was feasible. He noted the decision of JAFI6 requesting the CSA to provide advice on the future of ApOC. He reiterated that the l7d session was expectea to lead the decisions for the future of onchocerciasis control and elimination in Africa. He thanked the Kuwait Covemment and Kuwait Fund for hosting the meeting and providing excellent facilities. Dr Lusamba also thanked all the participants for honouring the invitation to attend JAFIT and all paftners who continue to provide the necessary support to sustain and win the fight against river blindness. The statement of the Director of APOC is attached as annex 5. 7. Mr Henrik Secher. Managing Director for Africa, Merck & Co. [rrc. underlined that the Forum was significant to the health of many people in Africa. He stated that as a global healthcare company. Merck & Co, lnc. rvorks to deliver innovative health care solutions around the rvorld and that an imporlant part of their work involved discovering and developing novel medicines and vaccines. Mr Secher reiterated Merck's decision to donate Mectizan@ to all who need it for as long as necessary until onchocerciasis is eliminated as a public health problem. After nearly 25 years, it is noted that the programme reaches more than 100 million people every year. He reassured the Forum that Merck is committed to the APOC partnership to protect future generations of Africans from a disease that carries devastating implications for health, and local economies. The new goa[, he said, is to be the leading health care paftner to African governments in scaling up access to health services in resource constrained settings as well as in exploring new partnerships to advance human health. He also informed JAF that MSD's new strategy for Africa will be rolled out across the continent in early 2012. 8. Dr Matshidiso Moeti delivered a key note statement on behalf of Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, Regional Director of WHO/AFRO. She recognized the presence of many partners and stakeholders as a common endeavour to eliminate onchocerciasis, especially in these difficult financial times. She thanked the Kuwait Fund for their remarkable generosity for hosting this l7'h session and for the excellent facilities provided for the meeting. She pointed out that due to the current unfavourable global economic situation, financing for health and development programmes is stagnating or dwindling and some programmes are challenged. APOC is the envy of many because of this unique global public-private partnership committed to achieving its goal. The results and achievements of both the OCP and APOC programmes are clear for all to see. 9. She noted that the Programme has indeed come a long way from the world that Robeft McNamara saw not so very long ago. This was a world, where, "literally millions of people were at risk of a fate that could be worse than death in that society and time" to quote Robert S. McNamara when he first encountered the disease in 1972 in Burkina Faso and concluded that steps must be taken to control it. 10. Dr Moeti pointed out that this partnership has not just delivered ivermectin to oncho-endemic populations, but the difference made to the lives of affected communities, both socially and economically. is priceless. She also indicated that there is need for onchocerciasis agenda to be pursued and activities to be intensified in post conflict countries. She informed JAF that the World Health Organization is engaged in a reform agenda, in order to maintain its ability to respond to the expectations of the world, as the main agency for international health, and would suppoft APOC's efforts for the elimination of onchocerciasis. The statement of the Deputy Regional Director is attached as annex 6. ll. The Chair of JAF read a letter from the President of the Antonio Champalimaud Foundation in which she expressed her heartfelt regret for not being able to aftend the JAF. She informed the JAF that a JAFI8.4 Page 3 the Foundation was honoured to welcome Drs Lusamba Dikassa and Uche Amazigo in Lisbon earlier in this year to present them rvith the I M Euro Antonio Champalirnaud Vision Award of 2011. This award recognizes the initiative of APOC that favours collaboration, partnership, dedication and excellence in its mission to eliminate onchocerciasis. [t was an irnmense satisfaction to Champalimaud Foundation to have invested in such ground breaking effective blindness and prevention work. She wished all a very productive session and reiterated their commitment to strenghen the APOC partnership. Election of officers 12. The JAF elected the State of Kuwait in the person of Dr Kazern Behbehani as Chair of JAFI7. and Burundi as Vice-Chair, in the person of Honourable Dr Sabine Ntakarutimana. The Chair of JAFIT thanked the outgoing Chair, Prof Chukrvu Onyebuchi, Minister of Health, Nigeria, for his leadership as Chair of JAFl6. 13. ln his acceptance speech. Dr Behbehani poirrted out that his past relation with the prograrnme starled rvhen he was rvorkilrg in WHO as Director in the Tropical Diseases Department and the, as Assistant Director General for External Relations and Governing Bodies. Adoption of the Agenda 14. The provisional agenda appended as Annex 2 was adopted without modifications. Reflections of the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies (CSA) 15. Dr Chris Mwikisa, Chair of the Commitree of Sponsoring Agencies (CSA). presented rhe reflections of CSA to JAF. He paid tribute to rhe former Director oiRpoc, Dr Uche V. Amazigo and welcomed Dr Paul-Samson Lusamba-Dikassa who was appointed new APOC Director. He stated that theCSA worked closely with and guided APOC managemenr, following up on rhe decisions of the JAFl6, encouraging the Programme to continue to make contribution to*a.ds strengthening health systems andprimary health care through capacity building of communities and front line treaftn facititf staff, andprovision of logistic supports. He informed that, as requested by JAFI6, CSA has worked on the recommendations of the mid-term evaluation by grouping them into three categories: (i) onchocerciasis elimination, (ii) co-implementation and (iii) the Future orRpoc; engaged three independent consultativegroups with detailed Terms of Reference, to come up with u propo.ui *ith "1"u. prioiitized and estimated costs' In summary' based on the very positive picture of the piogiamme in terms of possible elimination of onchocerciasis and strengthening health systems in countries, aid taking into account the huge investment made by the international community over many years, it is quite cleaithat suppofting the efforts of theProgramme for a few more years would ensure sustainability of the achievements and secure theinvestments made to date. 16' cSA congratulated APoc for the award of I M Euro granted by the Antonio champalimaudFo-u-ndation in recognition of its contributions to the preventionlf blindness. cSA also mentioned theUS$l million received from MITOSATH (Mission tosave the Helpless), in the name of General T.y.Danjuma as the first substantial grant from,an African philanthiopisi. cSA is hoping that theseencouraging new sources of funding and donations will cataiyse contributions from other philanthropies, civil society organizations and high-net-worth individuals in Africa. 17 ' cSA was pleased to inform the Forum of its contact with the LF controlcommunity in an effort tostrengthen collaboration between the two control programmes, and facilitate the rrff"n provided byGNNTD through the Sabin vaccine Institute fo-r implementation of the .trut.gi" plan of JAF I8.4 Page 4 WHO/AFRO/NTD programme. Noting the vital role that the NGDOs play within APOC. CSA mentioned the difficulty of some NCDOs to continue their activities and wished that, as APOC moves to elimination it rvould become necessary to revisit the relationship between APOC and the NCDOs. CSA highlighted the need to look flor sustainable rvays of addressing financialchallenges. CSA also appealed to the JAF to review and adopt the amendments proposed in the memorandum which defines the legal tiamework of APOC. These amendments would better reflect the current participation in the Programme and greatlv facilitate the work and operations of APOC. 18. With the epidemiological evidence that elimination of onchocerciasis is feasible. CSA thought noteworthy for APOC to look at Africa as a whole. CSA appreciated the contributions of all rhe parrners and called on them to reaffirm their commitment, and on governments to strengthen further their leadership and ownership of the fight. APOC Management was once again commended for the excellent rvork they continue to perform. WHO Progress Report 19. The WHO Progress Report (2010-2011) was presented by APOC rnanagemenr to JAF. highlighting key activities during the reporting year, including the refinement of the Onchocerciasis rnapping in three countries (Angol4 DRC and Ethiopia) to ensure all areas in need of treatment are covered. delineation of high risk areas for the occurrence of severe adverse events irr Onchocerciasis- Loiasis co-endemic zones in Africa, the implementation of integrated mapping in five countries (Augola, Cameroon, Chad. Congo and DRC). Emphasis was also put on the improvement of ivermectin treatment coverage in post conflict (71.4o/o) and stable countries (79%), the contribution of APOC to the strengthening of national health systems through capacity building and logistic supports, co- implementation of other health interventions alongside CDTI, epidemiological assessment (7 countries where l0 out of 12 evaluated sites had prevalence <5%) and entomologicalevaluations (3 countries where no infected fly rvas identified out of >38,000 flies captured in l3 catching points within the foci with prevalence close to zero). [t was also pointed out that support was provided to the three CSA advisory groups that reviewed and worked on some of the recommendations of the 2010 external mid-term evaluation of APOC including elimination of Onchocerciasis in Africa, co-implementation and the future of APOC. 20. The presentation outlined challenges faced including the need to equip countries with diagnostic tool, strengthen paftnership in countries, to enhance NGDOs' support to post conflict countries as well as increase and sustain governments' financial contributions to the elimination effons. The perspective was to test new approaches based on CDI; assess the feasibility of twice yearly ivermectin treatment; development of epidemiological and laboratory tools for countries; DEC patch test; OVl6; stop ivermectin treatment/confirm focal elimination; conduct 3 years post treatment monitoring, confirm and document elimination using revised WHO criteria. Also noted was that almost 76 million people were treated with ivermectin in 2010. Significantly, Ivermectin treatment scaled up in all post conflict countries. Over 54.9 million treatments and interventions were delivered using the network of community volunteers built by APOC and agreement was reached to pre test CDI strategy in curricula of 52 faculties of medicine and nursing schools in Africa. 21. Following the presentation, JAF commended APOC for the progress made in the elimination of onchocerciasis, contributing to other health interventions through integrated mapping and the involvement of its network of community volunteers as a means of strengthening national health systems. However, the Forum discussed issues about cross-border collaboration and alternative options that would be essential for achieving elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa. JAF I8.4 Page 5 22. JAF encouraged APOC management to scale-up the use of alternative approaches including twice yearly treatments with ivermectin where appropriate to speed up elimination in problematic areas, and also to address cross-border issues. Country reports 23. Statements were given by Ministers of Health from APOC and ex-OCP countries on the update regarding the status of onchocerciasis control activities and co-irnplementation rvith other NTDs within their countries. 24. BURUNDI: Burundi has put in place the National Integrated Neglected Tropical Diseases and Blindness Control Programme (PNIMTNC). The country has also developed and validated a national policy for the control of neglected tropical diseases and a national strategic plan for the control of NTDs has been elaborated, covering the period of 201lto 2015. This plan will be launched in February 2012. Tlre implementation of the three CDTI projects, covering a total of l, 406,983 people, approximately 17% of the total population of the country, led to achieving impressive therapeutic and geographic coverage of 78.7% and 100% respectively in 2010. CDTI has been co-implemented with schistosomiasis and soil- transmitted helminthiasis in 2010 and 2011, with the distribution of praziquantel and albendazole in the three CDTI project areas. Burundi thanked all partners, including APOC, Merck, CBM, MDp as well as partners in the NTD control for the technical and financial supports and pointed out they are committed towards moving from control to elimination of Onchocerciasis and co-implementation of NTDs as well as reinforcement of health system using the CDI approach. 25. CAMEROON: The country thanked APOC Managemenr for the substantial funding provided for strengthening of its health system and hoped to see the suppoft continue after 2015, untiitire complete elimination of onchocerciasis in Cameroon. Onchocerciasis which is endemic in l0 regions with l5 CDTI projects illustrates how the disease is a major concern for the government. The current status of onchocerciasis control is close to the required condltions for elimination in some regions, although recent epidemiological evaluations conducted in some parts repofted high prevalence and microfilaria load which tend to justify the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the therapeutic strategy used to date. Although the country disapproves the idea of an exclusive tailor-made elimination straiegy, it strongly militates for an integrated flexible elimination strategy, while advocating for a case-by-fu5e meth;j, adapted to is particular geographical context, without omitting the aggravating factors of the complexity of the co-endemicity of onchocerciasis and loaisis, while taking into account the framework developed on targeted vector control, the integration of community-directed healthcare, the country master plan of integrated fight against NTDs and the regulations in force in the domain. With financial and technical support from APOC the government of Cameroon will develop a new 2012-2017 strategic plan for the elimination of onchocerciasis according to a multi-sector participatory approach which wi1 integrate cross-border activities. Cameroon thanked all the partners and appealed to the international communiiy to redouble their efforts, to resolutely embark on the path of tLe common new venture to eliminate onchocerciasis worldwide. 26. CONGO: The Republic of Congo has been implemenring cDTI since 2001. tn 2010, 651.922people out of 803.026 were treated, giving a therapeutii coverage of Bl.2%o. The results of the NTDs mapping conducted with the assistance of APOC have made it possible for Congo to prepare the nationalNTD control plan and the results of the epidemiological evaluation have reassured us that elimination of onchocerciasis in Congo is possible. The covernment of Congo wishes to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the APOC Management and all other partners for their steadfast support to the CongoNOTF. JAF I8.4 Page 6 2?. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR): Onchocerciasis is a serious public health problem in the Central African Republic and the third cause of blindness in the country where it affects two million people living in 5.572 communities, almost 50% of the population. In 2010, several trainingworkshops to strengthen health systems were financed by APOC. Since 2007 treatment and geographic coverage has progressed in parallel with the relaunching of activities, reaching in 2010, 86.8% for the geographic coverage and 82o/o for the therapeutic coverage. These results are encouraging and will be pursued so that CAR can also follow in the footsteps of those countries moving towards elimination of onchocerciasis. CAR therefore appealed so that APOC is granted sustained support from partners to enable countries move from control to elimination of onchocerciasis. Thanks to the network of CDDs trained over the years through APOC support, several health programmes are currently delivering health intervenrions ro communities using the APOC CDTI strategy. The country has now a national strategic plan for the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as well as a three-year operational plan of action of NTDs. ln 2010. 194.000 people in 1867 communities in two districts rvere treated jointly for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis with ivermectin and albendazole. This co-implementation continued in 20ll reaching four districts and the results are being compiled. CAR thanked the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies, the donor countries, bilateral and multilateral sponsors, NGDOs, Merck & Co. [nc. the Mectizan Donatiorr Programme for their suppoft in the fight against river blindness. 28. CHAD: Onchocerciasis is widespread. affecting more than 2.3 million people in 3250 villages. Through the APOC technical and financial support since 1998, the programme has put iu place a sustainable CDT[ system and has enabled a reduction of onchocerciasis endemicity in the country, thus maintaining a geographic coverage of 100% and more than 80% therapeutic coverage since 2007. The 2009 epidemiological evaluations showed zero carrier of microfilaria in more than 4000 people tested in 20 communities in Bebedja and Danamadji. Equally encouraging were the provisional results of entomological evaluations in the same districts which detected no infectivity of 2438 flies captured and dissected. Chad is comrnitted to mobilize internal resources an$ solicit additional financial and logistic support from partners to maintain the gains and join the other countries in the paradigm journey to el iminate Onchocerciasis. 29. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Onchocerciasis affects nearly 27 million people and almost 24 million people are infected by the disease with more than 70,000 cases of blindness. Like other APOC countries, DRC has adopted the strategy of CDTI to control the disease. DRC extends its appreciation to APOC for both the financial and technical support which has facilitated the functional, operational and coordination of MDA for nearly l2 years. The implementation of onchocerciasis control activities was hampered by constraints and difficulties includin$ the occurrence of severe adverse events in post lvermectin treatment, with cases of deaths registered in 2005 in some provinces, causing the suspension of mass treatment for a year. In addition there has been lack of partner support, insecurity and inadequate mobilization of government contribution to support core CDTI activities. Despite the complex external environment, key indicators of onchocerciasis control are improving with the combined efforts made by the government, donors, NGDOs, APOC and communities. The Government thanked all the partners for their support. In 2010, ivermectin was administered to nearly 20,290,244 people, and registered impressive results of 73Yo therapeutic coverage, compared to 65.40/o in 2009, and 93/o of geographic coverage versus 86% in 2009. DRC pointed out on-going collaboration with APOC to bridge the gender disparity at all levels of activities. It appeals to donors for substantial financial and technical assistance to help generalize this gender parity approach. With regards to co-implementation activities for NTD control which has been on going since 2009, the Govemment of DRC thanked USAID for their support. Because of lack of data, activities were mainly focused to the production of an integrated map of the distribution and prevalence of LF, Schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis. Owing to the challenges being faced in the situation of post-conflict setting and the enolrnous efforts required to mobilize resources JAFI8.4 Page 7 to control or eliminate onchocerciasis, DRC aligns with the other Member States appeal to extend APOC beyond 20 I 5 to achieve the goal of elimination. 30. ETHIOPIA: Onchocerciasis is prevalent in five Regional States of the country. tn 2010 more than 4.8 million people received lvermectin treatmentand overall therapeutic coverage of more than 80 % was achieved. The country is focusing attention on maintaining geographic coverage at l00yo since the launclring of CDTI. ln2012, semi-annual treatment would be launched in new CDTI districts to accelerate elimination of Onchocerciasis. The health policy has laid emphasis on the prevention of the disease through integrated approach and co-implementation with other NTDs. Onchocerciasis has been included in the National Master Plan of NTDS to strengthen co-implementatiou, scaling up best practices, improve partnership and coordination at all level. Ethiopia appreciates the Carter Center and Light for the World- Ethiopia for their integrated approach to fight against NTDs, and MDP, APOC, WHO Country Office, for their financial and technical contributions to the control and elimination of Onchocerciasis. 3 l. LIBERIA: The government of [iberia thanked APOC and partners for their supporr rvhich has beetr itrstrumental in rebuilding the health care delivery systems that was ravaged by decades of civil cortflict. Liberia reiterated their commitment to invigorate the fight to eliminate onchocerciasis following the impressive therapeutic coverage and average performance in the sustainable evaluation of CDTI projects conducted in August 201l. The launching of a ten year National Health Policy and Plan (201l- 2021) that calls for the provision of service delivery package known as the Essential Packages of Health Services (EPHS) also includes the programme for roll out of Onchocerciasis and otherNTDs, including lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths and leprosy. The health sector is being restructured to provide the counties and districts with greater responsibilities in health care implementatiotr, in line with PHC and CDI concept. In spite of the achievement, there are existing challenges. and Liberia will require further suppoft from APOC. The country appealed to APOC and partners to buy in the NTDs master plan to support the scale up of NTDs intervention. Liberia is prepared to strengthen existing regional collaboration platforms to share on experiences and best practice on health care implementation approaches for control/ elimination of NTDs. 32. NIGERIA: The Federal Government of Nigeria thanked Merck & Co, [nc, the Carter Center, Sight savers, Vision 2020 Support Programme of the Christoffel Blenden Mission (CBM), Helen Keller International (HKI), Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH), as well as the country offices of WHO and UNICEF for their tremendous support which has enabled the achievement and maintenance of annual therapeutic and geographic coverage of over 75%o and97%o respectively for the last 6 years. Significant to note, were the epidemiological assessments results indicating that a number of foci portend inteiruption of onchocerciasis transmission, and the feasibility of achieving elimination. tt is logical to assume that lymphatic filariasis where co-endemic with onchocerciasis may also have been eliminated. However, there is a need for scientific evidence. Therefore, the Government called on APOC and the Global Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme to strengthen their collaboration to avoid wasting of resouries in implementing an LF elimination progrzrmme where there is evidence that onchocerciasis has been eliminated. Nigeria informed JAF that, the National Council on Health had endorsed the use of the CDI strategy for the control and management of other relevant NTDs. Despite the milestones, the controlprogramme is not without challenges. Nigeria believes that with the assistance of partners these challenges will be overcome. The Federal government of Nigeria reiterated their commitment in the fight to conlol and eliminate onchocerciasis and pledged a sum of US$ 5 million to the Trust Fund, starting in 2012. JAF expressed its appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for their relentless support. 33. SOUTH SUDAN: The Republic of South Sudan became the 20'h endemic counrry of ApOC since attaining its independence in July 2011. The country acknowledged the support provided by ApOC and other partners but called for additional support to enable rebuild the Primary Ueatttr Care system which JAF I8.4 Page 8 was destroyed during the war and non-existing Secondary and Tertiary Health Care. The existence of pHC facilities and support to the CDTI will provide a strong foundation for strengthening health system inter alia to sustain and integrate the rest of the health programme as well as to controiand eliminate other NTDs. APOC was further commended for the approval of 5 CDTI projects for South Sudan in 2003 considering the endemicity of the disease. These efforts have alleviated the burden in most affected communities in South Sudan. South Sudan also appreciated the NCDOs, including the Carter Center.CBM, Health Net International as well as UN agencies who worked persistenily despite difficult conditions during the war. The Honourable Minister shared with the JAF his ordeal of the devastating and thanked Merck & Co. lnc. most sincerely forthe donation of Mectizan@and to all those who have joined effort to sustain its distribution to ensure that the future generation are free of the disease. He appealed for a collective effort as the best strategy in rebuilding health systems irr the new country. niniity. he acknowledged the support provided by the Kurvait Found in South Sudan citing the Sabah pediatric Hospital among many others. 34. SUDAN: The Sudan National Onchocerciasis Elimination/Control Programme treated in 2010, 267.000 persons in 320 communities with a geographic coverage of more than 98% and therapeutic coverage of over 95%. With twice yearly treatrnent in Abu Hamad and Calabat. as well as annual treatment in Radom. treatment coverage in 20 1 I is expected to exceed the figures of 20 10, especialty with the improved accessibility after the Darfur peace agreement. The current ratio of CDD per number of persons treated is l/ll6 with a steady increase of female CDDs which has positive effect on performance. The Sudan Programme established onchocerciasis Research Unit at the National Health Laboratory with the generous assistance of the Carter Center who also trained a national team both in US and locally in order to undergo OV 16 and PCR. A twelve-morrth fly collection and OV l6 analysis for nearly 7000 blood samples is near completion in Abu Hamad and Galabat to compare the findings with the baseline results of 2007 for both foci. As the construction of the new dam at Merawi near Abu Hamad submersed a considerable number of breeding sites, one year fly collection in front of the dam revealed that there was no new breeding site. However, there is need to continue the search and conduct another study to investigate possible effects of the other dam being constructed near Calabat focus. The Country appealed to the Carter Center and APOC as well as other partners to continue their support to the Programme in order to complete the task of elimination and extend the elimination activities to other endemic areas. The country reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate the debilitating ailment and thanked all the partners, especially the Carter Center, APOC, Merck & Co. lnc., MDP, and the generous donors for their supports. 35. TANZANIA: The United Republic of Tanzania recognized the support provided by APOC, International partners and NCDOs who enabled the programme to register many achievements, including the progressive increase of therapeutic coverage over the years sustained at 80yo. Results of epidemiological and treatment coverage evaluation showed that infection rate had reduced to zero in Tanga and Tukuyu while there were some people with filarial worms in Mahenge and Ruvuma. CDTI approach has proved as an effective way of delivering ivermectin and other health interventions. For the past six years ivermectin distribution has been co-implemented with other NTDs in the entire five onchocerciasis endemic districts, namely Morogoro, Tanga, Iringa, Ruvuma and Mbeya. Experience from the integrated NTD control over the past five years has shown that integrated advocacy, sensitization and community mobilization is key to achieving intended results. APOC and USAID have been recognized as pioneers for the integrated NTDs control effort in the country and were thanked for their moral, technical and financial supports. Tanzania highlighted the fact that there are some specific entities in the individual diseases control strategies that can not be addressed in an integrated manner. Hence the need for case specific adjustment to address unique situations so that specific disease focus is not lost as well as the need to harmonize the reporting system without losing tracks of all disease specific information. The government of the United Republic of Tanzania reiterated their commitment to make onchocercasis elimination a success and maintain the momentum of sustainability in its line of implementation through JAF I8.4 Page 9 att integrated approach. The country will ensure that NTDs control activities are incorporated in theComprehensive Council Health plans at district level. 36' UGANDA: The government reiterated its commitment to eliminate onchocerciasis as a publichealth problem, especially in the post-conflict areas where interventional measures stafted only two years ago' The high burden of the disease coupled with the presence of the nodding syndrome in these districts call for a special intervention for which the health settor with the support o1jartners has responded by recommending twice-a-year treatment with ivermectin to commence in2012. Uganda thanked ApoC andthe carter centre fbr the timely support provided to improve the lives of communities in the endemic areas' Despite the challenges posed by post-conflict districts, there is tremendous progress made in onclrocerciasis elirnination since its launching in200T.lnterrupiion of transmission of onchocerciasis hasbeen achieved in three foci, and this constitutes a population of over 400,000 people that have beenprotected' within tlte framework of elimination and wiitr ttre supporl of paftners, uganaa has developedguidelirres for certification of onchocerciasis elimination and it is in its final ,,ug", oirpproval within thenatiottal policy framework. These achievements would not have been possibl" -*ithout the long standingfinancial support from WHO, APOC, The Carter Center, GTZ, Sightsavers and the Mectiza, DonationProgram' with its multi-pronged approach using targeted vector control/vector elimination and semi-atrtrual treatment with ivermectin, Uganda is dedicate-d to the goal of elimination of onchocerciasis. In2010, mass treatmerrt with ivermectin was implemented in 32 districts with l6 of the districts under semi-annual treatmellt' Mo.re than 2.1 million persons from 4,788 communities were treated with ivermectin,aclrieving a therapeutic coverage of 69.i%. A total of 63,808 community members were trained andretrained as cotnmunity Directed Distributors (cDDs) for ivermectin treatmlnt with a population to cDDratio of l:49, which is lower than APoc threshoid of l:100. To strengthen the capacity of healthpersonnel in programme management, a total of 1,8 l7 health workers were-trained, and this represents a47'9% increase over the 2009 performance. vector elimination has been achieved in three (3) foci out ofthe six, and this represents 50o/o of foci under elimination. Uganda noted the chailenges associated withelimination and the need to focus its aftention in addressini low treatment coverage in post-conflictdistricts where the burden of the disease is still high. Yet stili is the issue of cross border transmissio,related to population and vector movements whiih requires strengthening collaboration between theDemocratic Republic of the.congo (DRC) and Southern iudan, in addition to putting in place functionaland effective disease surveillance systems to avoid recrudescence ofthe disease. 37 ' BENIN: onchocerciasis is no longer a_ public health problem in Benin because the country hasreached the threshold of elimination of the disease. rnese s'ignincant results were achieved with thesupport of technical and financial partners who facilitated the deielopment of implementation strategies inthe country' Despite the significint results obtained in onchocerciasis control through 6DTI, challengesstill exist with respect to the inclusion of the control o.f other neglected tropical diseas-es such as lymphaticfilariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmifted helminthiasis. Benin thanked Apoc, the internationalcommunity' donors and NGDos for their steadfast support. genin is committed ,o *oit with the partnersto eliminate NTDs and onchocerciasis in particurar in ihe worrd. 38' BURKINA FASo: The govemment of Burkina Faso has always made efforts ro supporronchocerciasis activities in the country. In 1991, a National onchocerciasis controi-programme wascreated to preserve achievements and detect recrudescence of the disease. Strengthening of GDTIactivities in countries, including Burkina Faso enabled them to register very good geographic andtherapeutic coverage leading to ihe elimination of onchocerciasis as a public health problem. However,there is concern in some villages where the prevalence is more than the 5% threshold. Burkina Faso willalways take steps to face eventual recrudescence of onchocerciasis and is available for organization ofcross border surveillance activities. The country expressed its gratitude to aonors anj o,n., paftners fortheir supports in the fight against onchocerciasis and reiterat"i ti"i, commitment alongside with other JAF I8.4 Page l0 countries in a common effort to prevent the recrudescence of onchocerciasis and therefore. the loss of more than 40 years of investment by countries, donors and other partners. It is hoped that the ongoing discussions would result in the creation of a centre of excellence for disease control in Burkina Faso. The multi-disease surveillance centre of Ouagadougou could be one of the units of the centre of excellence. considering its significance although it currently needs substantial support. 39. COTE D'IVOIRE: Onchocerciasis is stitla public health problem with a population of 2 million people at risk, distributed into 4293 communities. Since the re-launching of CDTI activities in 2008, geographic and therapeutic coverage are in progress with improved performance, reaching 82.41%o and iS.tt6 respectively in 2010. The results of entomological and epidemiological surveys carried out between ZOOT-21ll indicated the need to pursue and scale up control and surveillance activities. C6te d,lvoire is commifted to strengthening cross-border surveillance by a synchronized implementation of CDT1, entomological and epidemiological surveillance with Burkina Faso, Chana. and the Mano River Union countries. The Government appealed to the lnternational Community and other paftners to continue providing technical and financial support, in order to restore the negative impacts of the socio-political trisis the country went through. Among other things, the support will foster efforts for a genuine integration of ioft in the bistricts Minimum Activities Package with a strong involvement of communities to ensure the elimination of onchocerciasis. The government of C6te d'lvoire thanked APOC and all the partners for their continuous support and calls for the continuation oFAPOC operations beyond 2015 to eliminate onchocerciasis completely. 40. GHANA: tn Ghana onchocerciasis is endemic in 9 out of l0 regions. Recent re-mapping of onchocerciasis showed that the disease was endemic in 40 districts. However, to maintain the gains made so far and to ensure that the goal of achieving adequate control and elimination of onchocerciasis remains a possibility, the country is continuing treatment for all historically endemic communities. Geographic "ou"rug. has ranged from 83% to 100% and the therapeutic coverage from 65.4 to79.3o/o, with biannual treatments with ivermectin consistently undertaken since 2009. The government pledged it commitment to provide the necessary resources for itre prevention and control of Onchocerciasis and other NTDs by working with partners. [t was noted that through the onchocerciasis control programme, millions of people have been prevented from becoming blind and thousands of hectare of fertile land freed from social-economic developmenr. The governmint pledged US$ 50 000 in 2012 for strengthening monitoring and supervision in order to improve coverage of MDA and surveillance of the disease along the cross border communities and other areas of high infectivity. The Country expressed its appreciation to APOC, USAID, MDp, Merck & Co, lnc. GSK, Liverpool CNTD and Sight Savers among others for their support in the fight against Onchocerciasis and NTDs. 41. GUINEA: Onchocerciasis is endemi c in 24 out of 33 health districts covering a total number of g,229 villages with more than three million people at risk of infection. The CDTI implementation in 2010 enabled the programme to achieve an impreisive geographic and therapeutic coverage of 100% and82o/o respectively. Tf,e Government assured the gathering that it will continue to strengthen staff deployment, mobilize rural communities and release fundl from the National Development Budget in order to achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis. with the support of its partners, Guinea has developed a national strategic plan 201 1-201 5 for the control of NTDs including onchocerciasis and is now being implemented. Guini "u1. fo, the scaling up of onchocerciasis control along the borders with neighbouring countries as well as the need for epide"miological and entomological evaluation and surveillance. The government of Guinea reiterates it commitmentlo cotlaborate with the partners to ensure progress in control/elimination of NTDs and onchocerciasis. 42. MALI: After more than 20 years of collaboration with oCP and APOC to control Onchocerciasis, the disease is no longer considered- as a major public health problem or obstacle to the socioeconomic JAF I8.4 Page I I developrnent in Mali. The results of the epidemiological and entomological evaluations carried out in20ll compared 'uvith the ONCHOSIM model showed satisfactory evolurion to elimination of onchocerciasis. The country participated actively in onchocerciasis elimination studies undertaken in Mali and Senegal by TDR, APOC and MDSC. The Government proudly thanked its traditional paftners for their support in the study. Despite the encouraging results mintioned above, major challenges including the acceptance of skin snip by communities, holding of cross-border meetings, reaching the tota'i elimination of onchocerciasis, and integrating co-implementation of the NeglecteJ iropical Diseases in the health system is still outstanding and the support of donors, NGDO is iapital. Mali reiterated their commitment to sustain the gains by announcing a plan of action for 2012 with a budget estimate of CFA I 10, 000,000 and called for the partners to continue their support. 43. NIGER: In alignment with the Declaration of the Ministers of Health in September 2006 in Yaounde. Niger has decided to provide the National onchocerciasis Devolution programme with a budgetline for the implementatiotr of entomological and epidemiological surveillance activities and with logistics atrd humatr resources in order to maintain the gains and prevent the resurgence of the disease. tt isimportant to note that a risk of resurgence of the disease exists with the ongoilrg construction of the newdarn of Kandaji. ln spite of the increased government contribution, Niger *ttr fo. more commitment of technical and financiaI partners as well as local communities to help improve the management of health services in order to meet the challenges and ensure the sustainability of aitions undertaken to control riverblindness in Niger. In the netv health development plan 20ll-2015 for Niger, the Neglected Tropical Diseases control is strougly emphasized. 44' SENEGAL: onchocerciasis was a real public health problem in Senegal. However, the situationhas considerably improved as evidenced by the conclusion. oithe study on the feasibility of elimination of onchocerciasis with ivermectin caried out in Senegal and Mali. Theconclusion of the study revealed with scientific proof the elimination of onchocerciaiis in the country through the administration ofivermectin alone. The covernment of Senegal expressed its gratitude to alt partnlrs for their technical andfinancial support underscored by the impressive resuls. Se"negal aligns itself with the other countries inthe Africa Region to continue fighting the Neglected Tropic-al Disiases (NTDs), as part of its healthpriorities and has adopted the strategy of integrated conirol of these diseases. This resulted in the elaboration of a nationalstrategic plan for integraied NTDs control that was validated and shared with all stakeholders and partners. Senegal hopes that the control of other NTDs will benefit from the experiencesof river blindness control by resorting to mass preventive chemotherapy to combat lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, geo helminthiasis and trachoma across the nation. Howeuer, the biggesrchallenge will beto safeguard the very satisfactory gains made after many years of river blindnerr-Jont.ol in Senegal bystrengthening the epidemiological and entomologicar surveillun"".. 45' Following the statements given by Ministers of Health from Apoc and ex-ocp countries JAFthanked the Ministers of Health for the updates regarding the status of onchocerciasis control activitieswithin their countries and also congratulated South sudan-upon their independence and admission as the194'h member state of the World Helltn Organization. Treatment coverage: presentation by the Representatives of countries 46' The presentation on treatment coverage showed that 138,44g communities out of 144, g37 in 16countries distributed ivermectin, treating 75.8 million people, thus achieving geographic and therapeuticcoverage of 96%6 and 760/o respectively. There was a significant improielm"r-t in ihe geographicalcoverage in the post conflict countries, notably in five conseiutive years Burundi and chad recorded fullgeographic coveraSe, whereas there is improvement in the last two years in cAR (g6.6%) and DRC (g3.2%)' commendable effort was made in Liberia with, 99.2 "z geograftric coverage in zo ro, 100% coverage JAF I8.4 Page 12 to be maintained in Sudan whereas with 88.2 % in South Sudan, the coverage is to be increased and sustained in that country. Similarly, stable countries such as Congo. Ethiopia and, Malawi have also maintained geographic coverage of 100% between 2006 - 2010; Cameroon is to sustained effort in addressing co-endemicity of onchocerciasis and loaisis; Equatorial Guinea to sustain full geographic coverage, Angola to sustain high geographic coverage and Tanzania and Uganda are to ensure availability of Mectizan in districts carrying co-implementation with other NTDs. [n terms of therapeutic coverage. significant progress had been made. A11 countries except South Sudan reached a therapeutic coverage above 65%. In post conflict countries, high therapeutic coverage was sustained in Burundi and Chad whereas it is improved in the last two years in CAR and DRC and maintained in Sudan. Therapeutic coverage is to be improved and maintained in South Sudan. [n stable countries. six countries have achieved therapeutic coverage above 70%o, notably, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia. Malawi. Nigeria and Tanzania, whereas commendable effort has been made in Angola. [t is worth noting that the treatment results revealed that most countries are engaged in moving from control to elimination. 47. JAF congratulated the team on the encouraging results, and suggested multiple treatrnents in the framework of elimination. JAF stressed the need foroperational research on rnultiple treatrnents in areas with particular conditions such as late commencement of ivennectin distribution. 48. Concernirrg treatment in low endemic areas, collaboration betrveen onchocerciasis and LF prograrnmes and the need for nerv diagnostic tools were stressed. JAF instructed for a feed back on progress made at the next session (JAF l8) based on the recommendations of the Technical Consultative Committee (TCC). 49. The issue of re-infection as a result of cross border migration and/or fly movements illustrated the need for collaboration. JAF requested implementation of cross country collaboration including meetings, plan of action and interventions. Government and NGDOs financial contributions 50. The financial contribution of both governments and the NGDOs torvards core CDTI activities such as: mobilization, advocacy, sensitization and health education (HSAM); training of CDDs and Health workers; Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation (SME); ivermectin delivery and management of SAEs; and equipment, logistic and salaries, was presented. The financial contribution of both governments and the NCDOs towards core CDTI activities and for equipment, logistics and salaries was presented. [n 2010, governments disbursed a total of US$ 3 million towards core CDTI activities of which 34o/o were for health education, sensitization, advocacy and mobilization,30.lyo for ivermectin distribution and SAEs, l8.l% for training of CDDs and health workers, 17.8o/o for Supervision, monitoring and evaluation. Governments and NGDOs disbursed more than US$ 14 million towards salaries of health personnel involved in CDTI activities. The NGDOs provided to the countries a total of US$ 7.6 million in 2010, independent of APOC Trust Fund to support Onchocerciasis control activities. 51. [t was noted that understanding governments' financial contributions remains a complex issue which requires expertise. JAF therefore instructed APOC Management to engage experts to assess countries fi nancial contributions. Role of women in the success of onchocerciasis programme 52. Dr Amazigo, former Director of APOC underscored the role of women in research, partnership, coordination, governance as well as in technical advice, long-term impact assessment of the programme operations and implementation of disease control/elimination activities. The presentation acknowledged JAFI8.4 Page 13 various women who have dedicated their time and input in TDR research on the importance of skin disease and the study in Nigeria on Agnes which provided the scientific basis for launching ApOC. She mentioned the pre-APoC impact research conducted by Professor Adenike Abiose on community trials ofivertnectin, in Kaduna, Nigeria in 1987 and the research on the importance of skin disease, in Etteh,Nigeria in 1991. Also mentioned were contributions of Drs Dembele, Hagan, Mafe, Umeh and Amazigoin the TDR Research for APOC on CDTI. Following these research, the CDTI strategy was adopted by tPoC as the principal drug delivery strategy to-date. Professor Eka Braide and Drs Marcelina Ntep anaBertha Maegga were also recognized for their contribution to the REMO manual. With regards to the key role played by women irr shaping APOC partnership which is exemplary in global health, Ms pamelaDrameh rvas the first NCDO woman Coordinatoi, as well as Rose Befidi, Julie Akame, peace Habornugisha, Stella Aguom. Franca Olamiju and Elizabeth Elhassan rvho have served as conduit between APOC and NGDOs. 53' with regards to implernentation of control activities, in their capacity as present and past NationalCoordinators, Drs Marcelina Ntep, Kouakou-lllunga, ogbu-Pearce and Grace Saguti were recognized fortheir outstanding performatrce in carrying ort ,"grlu. community visits and transllting best practices fromgrassroots to improve projects alnong other things. Over all, women represent 16.5%o of 109 Coordinators(national and project coordinators) of CDTI projects in l6 countries. Eight women were acknowledged fortheir major contribution in the Impact Assesirnent of APOC operations; namely, Drs Hagan, Umeh, Fobi,Maegga, Uzoh, ogbuagu and Bissek. Dr Fatu Yumkella who is currently.".uing in the ApoC TCC was accredited for her research in the interrelationship between Women, Onchocerciasis, and lvermectin inSierra Leone' The APoC TCC which is the_technical advisory board has and is being served by a numberof women' [t was also noted that 40 % of APoc managementitaff in ouagadougo, u"* females as wellasall secretaries and about one third of staff in the Finance unit are femalls. Dilaggregated data shows atremendous increase of Female CDDs from 23.3 %in2ol0 to almost 3l %oinzoit-. c1aa, Nigeria, DRC and Ethiopia have registered over 30 000 female CDDs involved in different multiple health interventions.The presentation reminded the Forum that the TDR research on the importance of skin disease and thestudy in Nigeria on Agnes provided the scientific basis for launching Apoc. 54' JAF was pleased to note the involvement of several African women in onchocerciasis control,operational research and implementation as ably demonstrated in the presentation. JAF requested ApoCManagement for more detailed analytical data on the participation of women at the various levels ofCDTI' JAF also observed the importance of strengthening the capacity of the countries in gendermainstreaming for sustainability of control activities. Report of the Technicat Consultative Committee (TCC) 55' Professor Mamoun Homeida, chair of TCC, presented the reports of the last two TCC meetingswhich were held in March and September 201l. He highlighted the suppoft given by Apoc Managemenrto the Sub comminees on Elimination, co-implementatioi'and Future oraFoc foilowing the request ofJAF l6 to provide concrete recommendation and costing implications. The TCC deliberated on theconceptual and operational Framework of onchocerciasis Elimination with Ivermectin, on Guidelines forEpidemiological Evaluation and treatment coverage surveys, the new diagnostic tool of PATH (ovl6)and the delineation of transmission zones. TCC also reviewed the results of epidemiological evaluationscarried out in 23 sites in APoc countries from 2008-2011, rhe sparial analysis.".rt,. oinepLoe autu,and maps predicting the prevalence of Loa loa in sub Saharan africa. 56' JAF recognized the value of operational research to enhance projects, performance and thereforerequested a close collaboration between TCC and other partners. JAFI8.4 Page 14 57. Noting the limited number of operational research proposals received by APOC for TCC review, it was noted that there is lack of expertise in drafting such research proposals at country level. JAF therefore requested TCC and APOC Management to provide technical assistance to the countries. 58. Regarding the nodding syndrome which is associated with onchocerciasis in some countries. JAF observed that there is a need for TCC's guidance. JAF therefore decided that countries rvith nodding syndrome should contact APOC to request technical assistance for research on the syndrome. Status of Onchocerciasis Control in former OCP countries 59. The status of Onchocerciasis Control in the former OCP countries rvas presented to JAF. Commendable efforts are being made by the former OCP countries rvith their local partners to ensure surveillance, continue/strengthen ivermectin treatments where needed and undertake capacity building and/or retraining of health workers and community volunteers. Although epidemiological situation is under control in all countries, ferv areas shorv prevalence higher than the threshold of 5%o, mainly irt Sierra Leone and at the border betweerr Burkina Faso, C6te d'Ivoire and Chana. with a risk of expansion to other countries rvhere the disease is under control. 60. JAF recognized the commendable efforts being rnade by the governments of the lornrer OCP countries in protecting the important investments of partners but noted some concerns about the epidemiological situation at the borders of a few countries. Taking into account cross border issues, they were concerned that the move from control to elimination could not be achieved safely by APOC countries alone. JAF therefore decided that appropriate actions should be taken by the concemed countries with the suppoft of APOC and any other partners to delineate areas to be covered and launch/interrsify ivermectin treatments. Elimination of Onchocerciasis transmission in Africa: recent evaluation studies and update on disease distribution map 61. Dr Hans Remme presented an update on the recent progress towards onchocerciasis elimination, including the final results from lead studies in Mali and Senegal, epidemiological evaluations of progress towards elimination in APOC projects and estimate of treatment extensions required for elimination. He defined onchocerciasis elimination as "the reduction of infection and transmission to the extent that interventions can be stopped but post-treatment surveillance is still necessary". The latest epidemiological evaluations (Tukuyu and Ruvuma in Tanzania in October, 2011, Enugu in Nigeria in November, 2011' and Malawi in August 20ll) are encouraging. The epidemiologicalevaluation results from 2009 to 20ll indicated that elimination is probably achieved in l2 sites with a total population of 7.4 million people. 62. JAF congratulated Dr Remme for his great contribution to providing evidence that elimination is feasible. Regarding elimination in post conflict countries, JAF stressed the need for alternative methods of treatment tolntensify and accelerate the trend to enable them reach the elimination goal. JAF reiterated the need for alternative approaches including twice yearly treatment with ivermectin to speed up elimination in problematic areas. Co-implementation: Integrated mapping of five NTDs and mapping of loiasis (eye worm), Co- Implementation 63. An update on integrated mapping of onchocerciasis, loiasis and other NTDs in countries rvas presented to the JAF. When severe adverse events cases were observed in areas co-endemic for Lnchocerciasis and loiasis following ivermectin treatment, the challenge was how to find endernic JAF I8.4 Page 15 communities located in those areas in order to put in place precautionary measures before ivermectin treatment; hence the use of Rapid Assessment Procedure for Loiasis tool for mapping (RAPLOA). RAPLOA surveys conducted in ll countries (Angola, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo,-D[C, Equatorial Cuinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Nigeria, Sudan) revealed that more than l4 million people are living in areas at risk of occumence of SAEs. JAF was informed that the Loiasis distribution map of countries has been made available to countries and partners, including the lymphatic filariasis eliminaiion programmes. 64. APOC in collaboration with AFRONTD also assisred countries in conducting integrated mapping of majorNTDs in 8 countries (Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, DRC, EquatorialCuinea. LiAeria, South Sudan). The mapping of five NTDs (onchocerciasis. loiisis, lyrnphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis) rvas completed in Equatorial Cuinea as well as the mapping of onchocerciasis, lyrnphatic filariasis (LF) and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) in Liberia. A Nationalplan for integrated control has been developed in Equatorial Cuinea and ii being finalized in Liberia. APOC pledged to continue supporting countries to cornplete integrated mapping of tttOs. 65. Another presentation underscored co-implementation of NTDs control and other health interventions using CDTI network. During the reporting period, other health interventions/treatments wereprovided alongside ivermectin distribution in I I countries (Burundi, Carneroon, CAR, Chad, DRC, Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda). 66' JAF encouraged APoC Management to publish the integrated mapping results in a scientificjournal. JAF was also pleased to note that integraied mapping of loa loa was'co"mpleted in I I countries and congratulated APOC Management for the milestone. Capacity building of countries 67 ' - An update provided to the JAF on capacity building and training in ApoC countries showed that atotal of 538,827 CDDs were trained in 2010. CDDs retrained in post conflict countries increased to 24.9 %o and 29.3% in stable countries during the reporting period. Disaggregated data by sex indicated that a considerable percentage of female CDDs were trained in post conflict countries like Burundi and Sudan which registered over 45%o and up to 60% in stable countries like Malawi. A total of 51,292 health workers were trained in 2010, 9 331 in post conflict countries and 4l 961 in stable countries, underscoring an increase 23.2% trained in post conflict countries and29.2o/o in stable countries. Ophthalmology services in Kuwait 68' JAF was informed about the structure and operations of the Kuwait ophthalmologic HealthServices' JAF appreciated the inspiring presentation by Kuwait, and thanked the Ministry of Health ofKuwait for sharing the information with JAF. Report of the committee of Sponsoring Agencies (CSA) on the Future of Apoc 69' Following the report of the 2010 mid-term evaluation, JAF 16 requested APOC to workclosely with its statutory bodies (cSA and TCC) to make a proposal based on estimated cost andpriority of each of the different recommendations to be presented JAF 17 inz0ll. consequently,CSA formed three Advisory croups, one of which was to specifically propose four option scenarios with costs estimates on the future of APoC. The reports of the three advisory groups were presented to JAF as follows: JAF I8.4 Page 16 Report of the Independent Advisory Group on Co-implementation 70. Professor Pascale Allotey presented the report on behalf of the CSA Sub Advisory Croup on Co- implementation to the JAF. She reiterated the proven evidence of the success of CDI process in co- implementation with NTDs and its contribution to health systems strengthening. The presentation underpinned evidence for CDI as a process which produces significant public health and social good, demonstrated through APOC but not sufficiently analysed and disseminated. With regards to health system strengthening, it was noted that CDI is not the panacea to health systems strengthening but does increase access and shares responsibility for health. APOC is not the only player in this area but has a rich evidence base to contribute to transnational research. policy formulation and capacity building. On CDI framework and implementation, CD[ framework may not be a blueprint but will serve a number of purposes, however. to be sustainable CDI has to be integrated into Health System, and APOC should invest in transferring CDI expertise, tools and approaches to national level. If APOC's direct support to CDI will be phased out as elimination progresses then securing APOC's CDI legacy is even more of a priority. Report of the Independent Advisory Group on Elimination 71. Prof. Mamoun Homeida presented the report on behalf of the CSA Sub Advisory Croup on elimination. He stressed that some projects rvill be able to stop treatment but no country would be ready to achieve national elimination by 2015. However, by 2020,12 APOC countries and I I ex OCP countries (total of 23 endemic countries) would have achieved elimination, protecting more than 60 million people. Despite the promising results, five countries (Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Cuinea, Gabon and South Sudan) may not achieve elimination by 2020 because of Loiasis or treatment challenges in post-conflict areas. It was suggested that these countries should be supported with strengthening CDTI, prevention of cross border transmission and evaluation of long tenn impact of treatment. The main challenges include problem with treatment coverage, extension of treatment to less endemic areas, twice per year treatment and intensified efforts to improve compliance, cross border foci and long distance vector migration as well as co-endemicity of Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis. The Independent Advisory Croup's main recommendation stressed that APOC should be extended to enable the elimination of onchocerciasis in African countries. Report of the lndependent Advisory Group on the future of APOC 72. Dr Sam Adjei, on behalf of the CSA Sub Advisory Group on the future of APOC, presented four scenarios, (l) to transform APOC into a technical agency, (2) to continue with APOC in its current form, (3) to extend is mandate and transform it into an NTD hub and lastly, to keep APOC on its current track and end it in 2015. Final conclusions and recommendations of the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies (CSA) to JAF 73. Fotlowing the presentation by the three advisory groups, Dr Chris Mwikisa, Chair of CSA presented the finalconclusion and recommendations of the CSA highlighting the four scenarios below: (i) Scenario (1) continuing APOC to 2025 to attain onchocerciasis elimination, with emphasis on mapping, effective CDTI implementation, and intensified surveillance. The cost was estimated at US$ I l6 million. JAF I8.4 Page 17 (ii) Scenario (2) APOC as a technical agency from 2015 -2025. This scenario highlighted that APOC would no longer be engaged in direct country implementation after 2015. However, emphasis will be on the developnrent of evidence-bise and technologies for effective onchocerciasis control and elimination, support surveillance, research, monitoring, evaluation, advocacy and resource mobilization. The estimated cost is US$ 84 million. (iii) Scenario (3) onchocerciasis elimination with co-implementation for NTDs with health systems strengthening' 2015-2025. This scenario includes scenario l; in addition emphasisis placed on: Co-implementation rvith other PCT interventions using CDI appioach, systematic assessment and integration of CDI into health systems and strong coordination alnong NTD partners to promote hannonization and alignment for co-implementation. The cost estimate is US$ 129 million. (iv) Scenario (4) APOC to close in 2016. This scenario means no change to current time framefor APOC operations (end of operations in December 2015. final"lorur" in 2016). A surgein high level activities to allow APOC to liquidate safely and establishing solid nationalplatforms to achieve elimination. The costing ii estimared ar US$ 80 million. 74' CSA identified scenario 3 "onchocerciasis elimination with co-implementation for NTDs andHealth Systern Strengthening (20 r 5 - zo2s)" as the one recomrnended by the bSA. 75' JAF reviewed the report and the recommendations of the CSA on the future of ApOC and congratulated the CSA for its work over the past year and its committees for their accomplishments. TheForum also noted with satisfaction the scientific evidence of the feasibility of achieving elimination of onchocerciasis in 23 countries in the near future. outcomes of the closed Door session on the Future of Apoc 76' Separate closed-door sessions of African Health Ministers, Donors, and NGDos were held toreview the different scenarios proposed by the cSA on the future of Apoc. The African Ministersadopted Scenario 3 "Onchocerciasis elimination with co-implementation for NTDs and HealthSystem Strengthening (20f 5 -2025),,subject to the following: (i) To take into consideration the decisions of the 166 session of JAF regarding the future ofthe Multi-disease Surveillance Centre (MDSC) and asked Burkina Faso to work on whatis required to maintain the Centre and report to JAFIg; ( ii) (iii) (iv) (v) To adopt flexible integrated strategy; To take the experience of Nigeria, Ugand4 Soudan, cameroon into consideration; The need for governments to mobilize internal resources to reach the objective of el i mi nation of Onchocerciasis; The need for sub-regional health institutions to discuss on cross collaboration during their meetings, as well as in AFRO meetings; and To define a time frame with integrated plan of actions with detailed budget up to 2025. (vi) JAFI8.4 Page [8 77. The Donor community made no commitment nor endorsed any strategy but re-affirmed their good intentions to move forward with control and elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa and globally. The Donors conceptual endorsement was subject to APOC utilizing the remaining time up to 20 15 to repackage and re-orientate the programme action plan in a manner acceptable to a wider community, but most importantly to develop a detailed strategic plan incorporating the following: (i) A clear and concise message on elimination vis-a vis co-implementation; (ii) A clear plan with detail costs and in phases with defined timeframes; (iii) Indication of increased country commitment and ownership in the plan; (iv) The need for clear impact indicators; (v) To stop categorization of countries in the elimirration framework, however, to address them as endemic countries; (vi) Less reporting back of the process but instead use scorecard to lollow up ou annual progress which can be reported in another meeting; (vii) The need for clear accountability; (viii) Explicit working plan on how to coordinate across programmes. (JAF was referred to as a good model for looking at ways to engage with different programmes); (ix) Explicit plan on how to work with additional partners namely NTD partners; (x) APOC to broaden its dialogue in order to attract more partners for success, more specifi cal ly for onchocerciasis; and (xi) To develop a concept of investment case in one plan. 78. The NCDOs endorsed Scenario (1) continuing APOC to 2025 to attain onchocerciasis elimination, with emphasis on mapping, effective CDTI implementation, and intensified surveillance, in addition to co-implementation with other PCT interventions and use CDI for Health system strengthening. This strategy was endorsed subject to further clarity on: (i) APOC relationshiP with AFRO;(ii) Trust fund mechanism to support NTDs;(iii) Coordination role of APOC with other NTDs;(iv) APOC as NTD hub which conflicts with mid-term recommendations. 79. Foltowing the outcomes of the closed sessions of African health ministers, donors, and NGDOs, JAF noted the importance of safeguarding the huge investments already made for onchocerciasis control. The Forum also noted the clear consensus among the Ministers of Health in favour of scenario 3 "continuing a dynamic APOC for Onchocerciasis elimination with co-implementation for NTDs and Health System Strengthening" and their determination to strengthen country led contribution for Onchocerciasis elimination and their preference for a scenario including Onchocerciasis elimination. JAF I8.4 Page 19 80' JAF agreed that APOC should not close in 2015 as that would be untimely, given that none of the 3l endemic countries would have achieved elimination by that date. 8l ' JAF therefore reallirmed its endorsement for the Programme to pursue the elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa as well as co-implementation of preventive chemotherapy intervention forother selected NTDs in the context oi ioc.ea.ed supiort to community-level heatth systems strengthening. The Forum therefore requested the CSA und RpOC management io submit a detailed newplan of action with costs reflecting the new expanded strategic direction for the programme beyond 2015for consideration by JAF 18. The role of medical research in the tropical disease control and onchocerciasis success 82' Professor David Molytreux former Chair of the Ex-oCP's Expert Advisory Committee, and ofAPoC TCC and lorrner Director of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, described the irnportanceof research in the tropical disease control and specifically in onchocerciasis, from larviciding up to thepresent progress of treatment using ivermectin alone. Also noted was the development of REMo andRAPLoA that has changed the paradigm of disease mapping as essential tools for interventions. challenges noted include the searclt for i Macrofilaricide wiictr'could be used on a large scale, a longterm Loa loa solution and diagnostic tools- Professor Molyneux noted that epidemiological studiesconfirmed the feasibility of onchocerciasis elimination rvith ivermectin treatment in some foci in Africa.However, many challenges remain if elimination of onchocerciasis is to be achieved. 83' JAF thanked Professor Molyneux for his presentation which highlighted the value of operationalresearch which has led to the success of onchocerciasis control. Health Impact Assessment of African countries 84' Dr Sake de Vlas presented an update of the impact of APoc on the prevalence of onchocerciasisinfection and related diseases (itching, visual impairmlnt and blindness). using the oNCHoslM modeland data of the number of people treated. By 20ll , mass treatment with ivermectin has averted anestimated 7.5 million disability Adjusted Life iear (DALys) over att Apoc counrries. Given US$257million costs for mass treatment covered by APoc, governments and NGDos, this means US$41 perDALY averted (using values for 2010). Thii value is Jready comparable to crude calculations for controlprogrammes on other \TPt, but it will rapidly decline ou". ih. coming years, especiuriy *t.n eliminationis achieved in some of.the APoc projects. Furthermore, the'off-target'effect of ivermectin on otherdiseases (e'g' ascariasis and LF) 'miy add anorher I million DALys (13%) to rhat averted foronchocerciasis' The presentation was concluded by reporti;; uiout tt " revision of oNcHoSIM (newsoftware' extra features) and how it was successfully used for iruining Similar computer programmes areunder development for other NTDs (LF, Schistosomiasi., srHi, *iiir the aim ," irlg."" these into oneWORMSIM that can be used for decision support in areas with co-imprementation. 85' JAF thanked Dr Sake de vlas for the update and a very informative presentation. Current research within Apoc and rDR coflaboration 86. Dr Annette Kuesel presented an update to JAF. JAFI8.4 Page 20 87 . JAF noted that the situational analysis of the studies which will evaluate the use of the CDI strategy to strengthen primary health care in rural Africa and CDI strategies for nomadic and pastorals populations has been completed with data analysis currently ongoing. 88. The Forum recommended continuation of the project which aims to assess whether genetic changes in the parasite resulted in faster skin microfilaria repopulation in some subjects in Ghana and Cameroon. 89. Regarding the access of onchocerciasis endemic countries to a surveillance using a suitable DEC patch, JAF stressed again the importance and urgency of the availability of the DEC patch for the ongoing surveillance to assess progress towards elimination of onchocerciasis transmission and hoped that an agreement will be cornpleted. 90. The target product profile for moxidectin specifies that the efficacy of moxidectin as defined irr the agreement between WHOiTDR and Wyeth should allow permanent interruption of transmission of the parasite in 6-7 years in mass treatment at70yo coverage. JAF noted that the Phase 2 study suggests that moxidectin could result in a 6-month long period without skin microfilaria. A single dose of moxidectin does not kill all macrofilaria or sterilize all macrofilaria for l8 morrths. Further conclusions are impossible due to the smallsize of the Phase 2 study and the need to await the results of the Phase 3 study. As of July 4'l' 20 11, Pfizer is no longer a co-sponsor of the moxidectin development progralnme. WHO/TDR will assume responsibility for managing all related clinical trial authorization activities for moxidectin. Consequently, all communications regarding moxidectin clinical trials should be directed to WHO/TDR. WHO and Pfizer remain valued partners in health care and will continue to collaborate iu other important programme areas like eliminating blinding trachoma by 2020. 91. JAF therefore recommended that further decisions on moxidectin development await the resuls of the phase 3 study, expected for the third quarter of 2012. tf the analysis of this study favours further development of moxidlctin, then APOC and TDR should initiate a search for a new partner for licensing and potential donors. 92. JAF paid tribute to Dr Awadzi noting his immense contributions to onchocerciasis clinical research and control efforts. Report of the NGDO Coordination Group for Onchocerciasis Control 93. The Group's report focused on the achievements and challenges faced during the reporting year. The Group regrettably noted the drop in NGDO assisted treatments in 2010 from 61.5 to 58.3 million. The drop was caus=ed by li projects which lost NGDO supports, delays in drug supply and late implementation of integrated interventions. None the less, the NGDOs assured JAF of the numerous efforts to mitigate the challen-ges including Sightsavers and UFAR partnership in DRC, CBM reinforcement of CDTI activities in Rngila and DR-C, NCOOr continued supports to ex-OCP countries, ongoing discussion on joint applicition to avoid supply delay, and fund raising activities to bridge the financial gap. 94. The Group shared with the JAF the outcomes of the 2nd session of NTD/NCDO Network held in Nairobi, Kenya in September 201l. The network reiterated their commitment to using their expertise and capacity to continue tL strengthen health systems in Africq bridge the gap between school and community Uased approach for Schistosomiasis/STH interventions, collect and share data on integrated NTD interventions eye care. JAF I8.4 Page 2 I 95. The Group emphasized their renewed commitment towards onchocerciasis control/elimination as demonstrated by the contract renewal of the Responsible officer. assured financial support for elimination and support to other NTD interventions, using CDTI approach in APOC. OEPA, Ex-CiCp and yemen. 96. Dr Isameldein Awad, NTD's Programme Director, Charitable Society for Social Welfare(CSSW), Yemen, informed JAF that onchocerciasis elimination Plan for Yemen rvas available but required suppoft. 97. The Croup paid tribute to three distinguished personaliries, Dr Mubila Likezo, Dr Dennis Wiiliarn and Mr Aboubakar Ouattara following their sudden demise. All three will be remembered for their tireless contributions in the fight against river blindness and NTDs in general. 98' Following the presentation and further discussions. JAF noted the consequences posed by the delays in drugs supply. JAF reiterated the need for increased government and community supports for early procurement of NTDs drugs. Audit Report 99. The Forum took note of the Auditor's report, read by a representative of the WHo,s Legal Office and accepted it. Financing of the African Programme for onchocerciasis Control (Apoc) (i) Intensifying the activities in the framework of strengthening Onchocerciasis elimination efforts and providing support to the implementation of WHO/,IFRO/NTD strategic plan l0^0 APoC management presented to the JAF the cost of intensifying onchocerciasis elimination efforts and providing support for the implementation of WHo/AFR6AITD s-trategic plans in line with the recommendations of JAF and taking into account the additional funds mobilized. itre specinc programme objectives targeted relate to intensifying activities to eliminate onchocerciasis, co-implement onchocerciasis activities in conjunction with other health interventions, and determining when and whereivermectin treatment can be stopped and provide guidance to countries. JOl APOC management outlined the expected performance from additional efforts to includeintroducing CDI in the curriculum of 15 medical and nursing schools; 1,150,000 cDDs trained(cumulative number) for the implementation of health interventions; NTD mapping in g countries; g4GDTI.projects co-implementing other health interventions compared to the cuiren-t number of gl; 6countries supported to develop national integrated NTD strategic ilans; infection levels of onchocerciasis assessment in l4 projects/sites in APOC countries in 20lZ; tO scientists and national health staff to behain-ed in epidemiological evaluation for assessing infection levels; and entomological evaluation startedin l5 projects in APOC countries in2012. 102. The cost received in 201 l. of these activities would be covered by the additional US$ 4.5 million which were 103' JAF members requested and received clarifications regarding the difference made between ApoCand Ex ocP countries in the allocation of additional fun-<ling, and pointed out the need for moresubstantial funding to implement alternative approaches such as=twice yearly treatment with ivermectin where appropriate. JAF endorsed the proposal made by APoc Management in consultation with the fiscalagent. JAF I8.4 Page 22 (ii) Report of the Fiscal Agent (The World Bank) 104. The World Bank, as the fiscal agent, presented a balanbed budget for APOC activities up to 2015. The JAF was also informed about the following additional funds received by the APOC Trust Fund in 201 t. Antonio Champalimaud Prize which arvarded I M Euro for the outstanding contributions ol the Programme to the prevention of blindness. a Ceneral T.Y. Danjuma through MITOSATH (Mission to save the Helpless) contributed US$ I million. The Clobal Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases through the Sabin Vaccine lnstitute contributed US$1.2 for coordinating NTD's work between APOC and WHO/AFRO. a DFID contributed an additional US$ 1.6 million. 105. The fiscal agerrt explained that this income rvas additional to the US$ 19.4 million that was received from the donors in accordance with the previously agreed Plan of Action and Budget in 201 l. Amendments to Part II of the Memorandum for APOC 106. The proposed modifications to Part Il of the Memorandum for APOC (institutional arrangements) are to facilitate the functioning of the programme, as well as better reflect current participation and current practice. All proposed amendments should be signed by participating countries (i.e., African governments). lmportant to note was that, amendments to Part ll shall enter into force "upon signature by WHO and at least two participating countries". 107. JAF adopted the amendments to Part tl of the Memorandum presented by a representative of WHO's LegalOffice. Statement by Donors 108. The international donor community and the NGDO Group reaffirmed their commitment to onchocerciasis control in Africa. a. DFID: The United Kingdom reiterated their commitment to continue providing financial support to control/eliminate onchocerciasis, and informed the JAF of their intention to explore additional funding in2012. b. Kuwait Fund: The Kuwait Fund remains committed to the programme and confirmed their support until the disease is no longer a health burden. c. CIDA: Canada which has been contributing to onchocerciasis control since 1974, will continue its contributions until 2015. Canada is pleased with the progress made in onchocerciasis control which goes hand in hand with its priority to strengthen and improve health in Africa. a a JAF I8.4 Page23 d. Merck & Co., Inc.: At JAF l3 Merck pledged US $25 million for the period 2008-2015 and thus US$ 3.1 million to be released to the APOC Trust Fund in2012. Merck. like other donors, is encouraged by the progress made in the control and elimination of Onchocerciasis. e. The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID): OFID aligns itself with other partners to continue supporting APOC. f. USA - USAID: Since 2006, USAID has contributed towards the integration of NTDs into the programme for NTD and endeavours to provide similar funding towards the elimination of Onchocerciasis. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Kingdorn of Saudi Arabia continues to suppoft the rvork of APOC as paft of its mandate to support the health sector in Africa. World Bank: The World Bank was pleased rvith the progress made in the control/elimination of onchocerciasis, and reiterated the need to carefully review the future plan. NGDO Group: The NCDOs reconfirmed their commitrnent to provide financial and technical support to APOC, OEPA and Yemen to a sum of over US$ 7 million in 2012, as well as intensified efforts towards the control of NTDs. j- African Development Bank (AfDB): AfDB is aware of the challenges associated with the paradigm shift from control to elimination and expressed the satisfaction in the rationalization of the programme, however, the need to promote gender mainstreaming was underscored. AfDB announced the disbursement of US$ 3.5 million to the APOC Trust Fund for the year 2012, as paft of the already approved US$ 24.5 million till 2015. k. The Federal Government of Nigeria: Nigeria pledged a sum of US$ 5 million to the ApOC Trust Fund to be released in 2012. l. Kitasato Institute: The scientific institute does not make financial contribution to the APOCTrust Fund, but provides technical support by focusing on ivermectin and the research on the efficacy of the ivermectin. m. Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA): The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa was impressed by the quality of the meeting and the presentations made atthe 176 session of JAF. Although the Arab Bank does not make any financial contributions to theAPOC Trust Fund, it highlighted their contributions to the fight against cataract and strengthening health structures in Africa, jointly with the Islamic Bank. Date and venue of the l8th session of JAF 109. The l8'hsession of the JAF will be held in the second week of December 2012.Thevenue will be communicated at a later date after further consultations among JAFIT Chair, the Chair of the CSA andAPOC Management. Review of the Final Communiqud I 10. The Final Communiqud was reviewed and adopted. ob. h l. JAF I8.4 Page 24 Closure of the seventeenth session of JAF I I I . [n his closing remarks, the Chair of JAF thanked the Government of Kuwait and the Kuwait Fund for hosting JAF 17. He also extended his gratitude to the Ministers of Health, NGDOs and Donors for their continuous support to control and in the long run elimination of onchocerciasis, and urged them to sustain their commitments until the fight against river blindness is won. JAF I8.4 Page 25 ANNEXES JOINT ACTION FORUM Office of the Chainnan JOINT ACTION FORUM Seventeenth session Kuwait Cit.v. Kuwait. l2- l4 December 201 I Annex I African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (ApOC) Programme africain de lutte contre l,onchocercose JAF-FAC FORUM D'ACTION COMMUNE Bureau du President ORIGINAL: ENGLISH December 201 I LIST OF PARTICIPANTS/LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS APOC COUNTRIES/PAYS APOC Angola 0t. Dr Pedro Ruben INACIO, Directeur de la Santd, province de Moxico, Angola _ Ter+244923 33 87 04 - E -matl : ussonal wena2@ hotmai l. com Burundi 02' Dr Sabine NTAKARUTIMANA, Ministre de la Santd Publique, Minisrdre de la Sante publique dela lutte contre le SIDA, Bp 1g20, Bujumbura, Burundi _ Tel : +25.t7934214g _ Fax:+257 22229 196 - E-mai I : ntakaruti mana200k@.vahoo. fr 03' Dr ondsime NDAYISHIMIYE, Directeur du PNIMTNC, Ministdre de la Santd publique de la lutrecontre le SIDA,^Bp 1920, Bujumbura, Burundi- Ter : +25779910036 - Fax : +25722249334 _ E-mail: nda.yones@vahoo.fr 04' Monsieur Sosthdne HICUBURUNDI, Directeur Gdndral des Ressources au Ministdre de la SantdPublique de la,lutte contre le SIDA, BP 1820, Bujumbura, Burundi - Tel : +25779690000 - Fax :+25722229 196 - E-mail : hicusos@yahoo.fr 05' Madame Yvefte GATEYINEZA, Assistante du Ministre (chargde de la communication),Ministdre de la Santd Publique et de lutte contre le SIDA, Bujumbura, Burundi - Tel :+2577 996345 I - Fax : +257 222291 96 - E_mail : vvetteeates@yahoo. fr Cameroon/Cameroun 06' Professeur Gervais oNDoBo ANDZE, Directeur de la Lutte contre la Maladie, prdsident duGTNO, Ministdre.de.la Santd Publique, BP 6034, Yaoundd, cameroun -Tel: +237 22.23.g3.4g -Fax: +237 22.22.44.19 _ Email: and)eeervais@.vahoo.fi. JAF 18.4 Page26 07. Dr Benjarnirr Didier BIHOLONG, Coordonnateur du Programme National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose, Secrdtaire Exdcutif du CTNO s/c OMS, BP 155, Yaoundd, Cameroun - Tel Bureau : +23'7 22226910 - Portable : +21799612800: +23779758660 E-mail: bi holong-d i@.vahoo. fr' Central African Repu bl iclRdpubl ique Centrafricai ne 08. Monsieur Jean Michel MANDABA, Ministre de la Sante Publique. Ministdre de la Santd Publique, de la Population et de la Lutte contre le SIDA, BP 883, Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser. Bangui, Rdpublique Centrafricaine - Tel : +23675050840 Fax : +23621232323- E-mail : i rn_mandaba(D yahoo. f r' 09. Dr Benoit KEMATA, Coordonnateur National du Programtne National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose, Ministdre de la Santd Publique. de la Population et de la Lutte contre le SIDA, B.P. 1772^ Bangui. Rdpublique Centrafricaine, T6l.: +23670402601; +236'72 502701- Fax : s/c WR +236 2l 6l 0l 37 - Email: bkenrataror'ahoo.li' Chad/Tchad 10. Dr Mahamat Annour WADAK. Directeur Ceneral Activitds Sarritaires, Ministdre de la Sante publique, B.P. 440, N'Djamena, Tchad - Tel : +235 66 26 07 87 - E-mail : wadakourak@yahoo.li I l. Monsieur Nadjilar LOKEMLA, Coordonnateur National du Programme de Lutte contre I'Onchocercor" ieNlO;, Ministdre de la Sante Publique, B.P. 4057, N'Djamena, Tchad - Tel : +235 66 29 Ot 64 ; +235 99 l3 38 96 - Fax : +235 22 52 48 38 - E-mail : nadiilar@yahooo.fr 12. Mr Ngaredjimti NGARMIAN, Directeur, BELACD et Prdsident de la Coalition des ONGD, BP 22, ioba, Tchad - Tel : +23566254970; +2359984781 - E-mail : belacd.doba@poste.net; anqarmian@yahoo.fr Congo 13. Dr Frangois MISSAMOU, Coordonnateur du Programme National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose (pNLO); Direction de l'Epiddmiologie et de la lutte contre la Maladie, Ministdre de la Santd et de ia population, BP 1066, Brazzaville, Congo -Tel: +242 05 525 4941;+242 06 668 05 63 - Email: m i ssanto u-fra trc@Yahoo. com Democratic Republic of the conso/Rdpublique Ddmocratique du conqo l4 Dr Shodu LOMANY KALEMA, Conseiller Medical. Cabinet du Ministre de la Sant6, Ministdre de la Sant6 Publique, BP 4310, Boulevard du 30 juin, Kinshasa - Gombe, Rdpublique Ddmocratique du congo Tdl : +243999402680 E-mail : lshodu@yahoo.com; lshodu@msm.com Dr Nicolas ENGENDJO MBULA DJIBELE, Directeur du Programme National de Lutte contre I'Onchocercose (PNLO), Ministdre de la Santd Publique, 36 Avenue de la Justice, Commune de la Combe, Bp 80841. Kinshasa I, Rdpublique Ddmocratique du Congo - Tdl: +243 815033286 ; +243 gg}23 1207 ; - E-mail : enic I 954@vahoo'fi l5 JAF I8.4 Page 27 16' Dr Adrien LOKA WONGA, Directeur Adjoint du Programme National de Lutte contre I'Onchocercose (PNLO), Ministdre de la Santd Publique, 36 Avenue de la Justice, Commune de la Combe, BP 80841, Kinshasa I, Rdpublique Ddmocratique du Congo -Tel: +243 816251600; +243 9930647 00 - E-mai I : dra I won sa@ gmai l.com ; al wwyou@yahoo. fi Ethiopia/Ethiooie l7' Mr Kadu Meribo BURIKA, National Focal Person, NeglectedTropical Diseases (NTDs), Federal Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1234, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia -Cell phone: +25l9tt t5 29 26 -E- rnai I : nreri bokadu(@-yahooo.com Liberia l8' Dr (Mrs) Bernice T. DAHN, Deputy Minister/Chief Medical Officer, Chairperson of the NoTF,Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, P.O. Box 9009, 1000 Monrovia 10, Liberia - Cell: +231 886 557 636 - E-mair: bernicedahn59@.vahoo.com; bdahn@rnoh.eov.rr l9' Mr Anthony Kerkula BETTEE, Onchocerciasis Coordinator/Deputy Manager, National Eye CareProgratn, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Capital Ay-eass, p.5. gox 10-9009 1000Monrovia 10, Liberia - cell: +23 l -gg6-539-549 - E-mail: tbettee@.vahoo.conr Mozambioue 20' Dr JoSo Manuel De Carvalho FUMANE, General Inspector, Ministry of Health, p.o. Box 264 -1008, Avenida Salvadore Allende, 602, Maputo, Republic of Mozambique - Tel: +25g 21 305 210 - Fax: +258 21385 209 - E-mair: igerar@misau.gov.mz;j.fuma.e@tvcabo. 2l' Dr Yousry Mahomed lbrahim ELSHAZHY, Physician, Ministry of Health, office of the Ministerof Health, P.o. Box 264 - 1008, Eduardo Mondlane Avenue, t* iroor, rurufr,o, Republic ofMozambique - Tel: +258826739234 -E-maiL, Nigeria 22' Prof' C'o' onyebuchi CHUKWU, Honourable Minister of Health, Federal Ministry of Healrh, I,.Floor, New Federal Secretariat, Phase III, Ahmadu Bello Way, Maitama - Abuja, p.M.B. 0g3Carki - Abuja, Nigeria - Tel: +234 803 7621 g I 6 - E-mail: bucfrictrutwu@yatroocom 23' Dr Mansur KABIR, Director, Public Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, New FederalSecretariar Phase III, Maitama - Abuja, p.M.B. 0g3, Nigeria _Tel: +2340g03 703g1I3 _ E-mail: i fnnkabir@vahoo.co.uk 24' Dr Yisa A' SAKA, NationalCoordinator, Nationalonchocerciasis Control & Lymphatic FilariasisElimination Programmes' Ministry of Health, New Federal Secretariat phase ill, Ahmadu BelloWay, Maitama - Abuja, p.M.B. 0g3 Garki _ Abuja, Nigeria _ Tel: +234g03 3l2g3g7 _ Email:y i saasaka@-vahoo.corn 25' Dr Genevieve NDUKWU, Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minisrer of Health on DiseasePrevention Surveillance and control, Federal Ministry of Health, Ahmadu Bello way. Maitama -Abuja, P.M.B. 083 Garki Abuja, Nigeria _ Tel: +234 g033500801 Emait:eennvoby2004@yahoo.co. uk 26 JAF I8.4 Page28 Mr Chijioke UCWU, Personnal Assistant to Honourable Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, New Federal Secretariat Phase lll, Ahmadu Bello Way, Maitama - Abuja, P.M.B. 083 Garki - Abuja, Nigeria -Tel: +234 803 7841419 - E-mail: usrvu.chiiiokefDvahoo.com South Sudan/Soudan du Sud 28 Dr Lucia WILLIAM KUR, National Coordinator/Eye Care Services OV & Trachoma Control Programs, Ministry of Health Complex, P.O. Box 88 Juba, Republic of South Sudan -Tel: +2ll 9 557 297 00 ; +2 I I 99 19 I 21 29 - E-mai I : I uciaku 5 5 @-vahoo.conr Dr Tong Chor MALEK. OV Officer, Ministry of Health Complex, P.O. Box 88 Juba, Republic of South Sudan - Tel: +2ll 955763964 - E-mail: tons schewitaak@vahq!.E4.lk 27 Sudan/Soudan 29. Dr Kamal Eldien HASHIM MOHAMED OSMAN, NOTF Chairman, Director, Prevention of Blindness Administration, Ministry of Health, Nile Avenue. P.O. Box 631, Khartoum, Sudan - lsll +249 923061600 - E-mail: kamalbinnaw vahoo.cortr 30 Prof Asam ZARROUG MOHAMED ALL[, Coordinator, National Onchocerciasis Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Nile Avenue, P.O. Box 631, Khartoum, Sudan - Tel: +249 (0) 923061600 - E-mail: izarroug@vahoo.corn Tanzania/Tanzanie 31. Dr Mwelecele Ntuli MALECELA, Director General, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Ministry of Heatth and Social Welfare, P.O. Box 9653, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania - Tel: +255-22-2l2l4OO Fax: +255-22-2121360 - E-mail: rtalecela@nimr.or.tzl rnmalecela@hotrnai l.conr 32. Dr Upendo MWINGIRA, National Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, P.O. Box 9083, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania - Tel: +255-22-2121376 - Fax: +25 5 -22-2121 360 - E-mai l: umwi rrgi ra@yahoo.com ; umwi neira@ntd. go. tz Usanda/Ouganda 33. Dr Christine Joyce ONDOA, Honourable Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, P.O. Box 7272,Kampal4 Uganda - Tel: +256-414-340-871- Fax: +256-414- 253-842 - E-mai l: rnoh@health.eo.ug 34. Dr Dennis Wilfred Kigambe LWAMAFA, Acting Director, Health Services (CC) &. Commissioner for Health Services, Depaftment of National Disease Control, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 72'72 Plot 6, Lourdel Road. Nakasero, Kampala. Uganda - Tel/Fax: +256-414-259-666 - E-mail: lrvamafa@vahoo.co.uk 35. Mr. Tom Luroni LAKWO, Senior Entomologist. Acting National Coordinator, National Onchocerciasis Control Programme (NOCP) Secretariat, Ministry of Health, l5 Bombo Road, P.O. Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda - Tel: +256-414-251-927 - Fax +256-414-348-339 - Mobile: +256 772 438 31 I - E-mail: tlakrvo@gnrail.com JAF I8.4 Page29 OCP COUNTRIES/PAYS OCP Benin 36- Monsieur orou Bagou yoRou CHABI, Directeur National de la Santi publique, Ministere de la Santd Publique. BP 882. Cotonou Quartier Akpakpa, Bdnin - Tel: +229 97 59 0078;95 60 48 73 - E-nrail : voro yahoo.fi' Burki Faso 37. Dr Anrverkan Maurice HIEN, Directeur Gdndral de la protection Sanitaire, Direction Generale de la Protection Sanitaire, 03 Bp 7009. Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso - Tel : +226 70 26 06 7l - E- mail: hienan 'ahoo. fr' 38' Professeur Soungalo TRAORE, Coordonnateur du Programme National de Lutte contre I'onchocercose (PNLo), Ministere de la Sante,03 BP 700b, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso -Tel : +226 78 BS 24 56 - E-rnail: petbunso@-vahoo.fi C6te d'lvoire 39' lt9!j.t-.y, Aya Thdrese N'DRI YOMAN, Ministre de la Santd et de la Lutre conrre le SIDA, TourC l6''n' dtage, BP V4 Abidjan. C6te d'lvoire - T6l : +225 OS 09 9417 - Fax : +225 20 22 22 OO -E-mai I : ndri-vornanth20 l | @.vahoo.corn ; voman-therese. ndri@pacci.ci 40' Dr Amenan Marie Madeleine KOUAKOU EPSE ILUNGA, Directeur/Coordonnateur duProgramme National de Lutte conrre la cdcitd (PNLCd), 25 Bp 2gg Abidjan 25, C6te d'lvoire -Tel : +225 22 44 37 0l ; 07 08 38 03 - Fax : +225 22 44 37 83 - E-mail : rnagdy_koua@yahoo.fi Ghana 4l' Mr Joseph Yieleh CHIREH. Honourable Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, p.o. Box M44,Ministries, Accra, Ghana - Tel: +233302 665323 - Fax: +233 302663g10 - E-mail: vchireh@moh.eov.ch 42' Dr Nana-Kwadwo BIRITWUM, Programme Manager, NTDs, NTD programme, Ghana HealthService, P.O. Box MB- 190, Accr4 Ghana _ Tel: +2i3 3OZ g35 922; 20 g2322g6 _ Fax: +233 3Oz226739 - E-mail: nanakrvadwo.biritwum@shsmail.org; nkadbiritwum@gmail.com 43' Mr Mohamed AHMED, Assistant Director, Ministry of Health, p.o. Box M44, Ministries, Accra,Ghana -Tel: +233 302 684247 - Fax: +233 30266i810 - E-mail: ahmedrnoh2@.vahoo.corn Cuinea/Guinde 44' Dr Andrd GoEPocul, coordonnateur, Programme National de Lutte contre l,onchocercose et laCdcitd et les maladies tropicales ndglig6ei, Ministdre de^ la Santd et de t'Hygidne publique,Conakry, Cuinde - Tdl : +224 60 29 31 59 - E-mail : agoep@-yahoo.fr - -J 48 49 JAF I8.4 Page 30 Mali 45 Dr Mamadou Oumar TRAORE, Coordonnateur du Programme National de Lutte contre 1'Onchocercose, Direction Nationale de la Santd, B.P. 233. Bamako. Mali - Tel: +223 6671 17 66 ;223 20 22 64 97 - Email: traorenrot@-vahoo.ti Nieer 46. Monsieur Soumana SANDA, Ministre de la Sante Publique. Ministere de la Sante Publique, BP 623, Niarney, Niger - T6l : +227 20 39 51 96 - Fax: 227 20 35 03 46 - E-rnail: so Lunana_sa nda@-r,altoo. li 47 Dr Adamou SALISSOU, Coordonnateur National, Programme National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose et la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministdre de la Sante Publique. BP 13772, Niarney, Niger - Cellulaire: +227 96 96 03 76 - Fax: +227 20 35 03 46 - Email: sadanrouba(jryahoo.fr Mr Sidikou Sidi, Chargd d'Affaires a.i., Ambassade du Niger au Kurvait. Salwa - Tel. 69987557 - Email : sidisadi kou(Eyahoo. fi Sdneeal Dr Moussa Dieng SARR, Coordonnateur du Programme National de Lutte contre I'Onchocercose et d'Elimination de la Filariose Lympathique, Ministdre de la Santd de I'Hygidne Publique et de la Prdvention. Rue Aimd Cdsaire, Fann Rdsidence, BP 4024, Dakar, Sendgal - Tdl : Bureau: +221 33 869 42 97 ; 33 869 43 09 - Fax : +221 33 869 4206 - E-mail : nrdiensarr@yahoo.fr'; d i rection_sante@yahoo.fr Togo 50. Dr Koffi Potchoziou KARABOU, Coordonnateur du Programme National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose,8P487, DRS/Kara,Togo-Tdl : +228900247 95;+228266017 l0 - E-mail : karaboup@yahoo. fr DONORS/DONATEURS African Development Bank/Banque Africaine de Develoopement 51. Dr Feng ZHAO, Division Manager, African Development Bank (ADB), I 3, Avenue du Ghana, BP 323, lOO2 Tunis Belvdddre, Tunisia - Tel: +216 71.102.117 - Fax: +216 71.333.025 - E-mail: f.zhao(@afdb.org 52. Dr Maimouna DIOP LY, Physician/Principal Health Analyst, African Development Bank (ADB), No I Dr Isert Road - North Ridge, P.M.B. MB59, Accra, Ghana- Tel: +233 265543798 - E-mail: M.DIOPLY@AFDB.ORG CIDA/Canada 53. Dr Pierre-Claver BICIRIMANA, Senior Health Specialist, Canadian lnternational Development Agency (CIDA), 200, promenade du Portage, Gatineau (Qudbec) I Canada KIA 0G4 - Tel: +819- 953-2086 - Fax: +819-994-6174 - E-mail: Pierre bigirimana@acdi-cida.ec.ca 54 JAFI8.4 Page 3 I Kitasato Institute/Kitasato Universit.y Prof. Andrew John CRUMP. Kitasato Institute/Kitasato University, 2-7-ll-1707 Shibaura, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan - Tel : (+81) 3-3456-044g -E-mail: acys(Ome.com; c ru rn p(@eas.ynet. co. u k Kuwait (Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development) Mr Fawzi AL-HUNAIF, Director of Operations, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, P.O. Box 2921, Safat 13030. Kuwait - Tel: +965 22999199 - Fax: +965 22999190 - E-mail: fawz kurvait-tu nd.org 57 Dr Kazem BEHBEHANI, Director General, Dasrnan Diabetes [nstitute P.O. Box 1180, Kuwait City, Kurvait - Tel: +965 2249 2430 - Fax: +965 2246 2406 - Mobile: +965 gggg 8861 - E-mail: kazenr. behbelran i@dasrnaninstitute.org; kazern.behbehani@ernai[.com Mr Abdulrahman AL-HASHIM, Regioual Manager. Central East and South African Countries, Kuwait Fund tbr Arab Economic Development, P.O. Box292l. Safat 13030, Kurvait - Tel: +965 229991 33- Fax: +965 22999190 - E-mail: attrashirn@kuwait-firnd.org Mr Thamer HUSSEIN, Regional Manager, West African Countries, Kuwait Fund, P.O. Box292l, Safat 13030, Kuwait - Tel: +965 22999144 - Fax: +965 22999190 - E-mail: thamer@kuwait- lund.orq 58 55 56 59. Dr Abdul-Redha BAHMAN, Agricultural Advisor, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, P.O. Box292l, Safat 13030, Kuwait - Tel: direct +965 22999186 -Fax: +965 22 999 190 - Email: bahman@kuwait-firnd.orq 60. Mr Khaled A. AL-HINDI, Director of Foreign Projects, Patients Helping Fund Society, p.O. Box 24409 Safat - Code 13t05, Kuwait City. Kuwait - Tel: +964 ZZ57t73g; +965 2256006 _ Fax: +965 22571'l4l - E-mail: kah.phf@gmait.com 61. Dr Abdul-Aziz AL-ATEEGI, Teaching Assistant, Kuwait City, P.B. 247, Code Alsafat 13003, Kuwait - Tel: +965 998061 I I - E-mail: al-ateeei@hsc.edu.kw Merctr/MSD 62. Mr Kenneth M. GUSTAVSEN, Director, Global Health Partnerships, Merck, One Merck Drive ws2A-56, P.o. Box 100, whitehouse Station NJ 0ggg9-0100, usA - Tel: +gog 423 30gg Fax: +908 735 1839 - Email: ken.sustavsen@merck.conr 63. Mr Henrik SECHER, Managing Director, Africa, Ringstrasse 27,6010 Kriens, Switzerland - Tel: +41 586 182269 -Fax: +41 56 6182200-E-mail: henrik.secher@merck.com 64. Mrs Elizabeth NYAMAYARO/, Extemal Affairs Liaisons, Lead Africa, Ringsrrasse 27,6010 Kriens-Lucerne, Switzerland - Tel: (office): +41 4l 5g 6lg 22 4l; (mobile): *n D g44 94 g4 _ Fax: +4 I 58 618 22 00 - E-mail: elizabeth..vamayaro@merck.com JAF I8.4 Page 32 OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) 65. Mr Suleiman J. AL-HERBISH, Director-General, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), P.O. Box 995, Parking 8 A-1010 Vienna, Austria - Tel +43-l-515-64-164 - Fax: +43-l- 513- 2895 - E-mail: Director-Ceneral@ofid.org 66. Ms [khlass Zeki Taha AL-SHEIKHLY, Head of Grants Unit, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), P.O. Box 995, Parking 8 A-1010 Vienna, Austria - Tel: +43-l -51564-146 - Fax: +43- l -5 l3-2895 - E-mail al-sheikh ofid 67 Ms Shirin HASI-IEMZADEH, Technical Assistance Officer. OPEC Fund for lnternational Development (OFID), P.O. Box 995, Parking 8 A-1010 Vienna, Austria - Tel: +43- l-515-64-122 - Fax: +43- I -5 l3-92-38 E-mail: s.hashemzadeh@ofid.ore 68 Ms Hala EL SAYED, Senior Support - [nformation Depaftment, Crants Unit, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), P.O. Box 995. Parking 8 A-1010 Vienna. Austria - Te[' +43- I -51 5-64- 136 - Fax: +43- l-513-92-38 - E-mail: h.elsaved(Dofid.orp Sabin Vaccine lnstitute 69. Mr Michael MARINE, Ambassador (Retired),2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 7100, Washington DC 20006, USA - Tel: +l -202-621-1696 - Fax: +l-202-842-7689 - E-mail: m ichael. mari rre@sabin.org Saudi Arabia/Arabie Saoudite Mr lbralrim M. ALSUCAIR, Chief Economist, The SaudiFund for Development, P.O. Box92942 Riyadh I 1663, Kingdorn of Saudi Arabia - Tel: +966-505240447 - Email: isugair(r?std.gov.sa 7t Mr Thamer ALJARED, Economic Researcher, The Saudi Fund for Development, P.O. Box 50483, Riyadh 11523, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Tel: +966-l-2794017 - Fax: +966-l-4647450 - E- mail: iared@sfd.qov.sa USAID 72. Mrs Christine DUBRAY, Senior Public Health Officer for Neglected Tropical Diseases, USAID, GH/HIDN/ID, Room 307-36 RRB, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20523, USA - Tel: +l .202712-5561 - E-mail: cdubray@usaid.gov The World Bank/Banque Mondiale Mr Jean Jacques De St ANTOINE, Acting Sector Manager, Africa Health Nutrition and Population (AFTHE), The World Bank, l8l8 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433, USA - Tel: +1.202-473-18988 - Fax: +l .202-473-8216 - E-mail: idestantoine@worldbank.ors 74 Dr Donald A.P. BUNDY, Lead Specialist and APOC Coordinator, Africa Region Human Development Department, The World Bank, l8l8 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433, USA - Tel: +l .202 413-3636 - Fax: +1.202 473-8216 - Email: dbundy@worldbank.org 70. O 73 JAF I8.4 Page 33 75' Dr Andy Chi TEMBON, APOC Technical Assistance Specialist, African Region Human Development Department, The World Bank, l8l8 H Street, NW, Washington DC 20433, USA -Tel: +l .202- 458-4879 - Fax: +1.202-4738216 - E-mail: arerrbon@rvorld-bank.org 76' Dr O'K. PANNENBORG, APOC Special Adviser, African Region Human Development Depa(ment, The world Bank, l8l8 H Street, Nw, washington ocloqll, uSA- Tel:+1.202- 47 3 -44 I 5 - Fax : + | .202-47 l -82 I 6 - E-mai I : opannenborq@worldbank.ors 77' Ms Bilkiss DHOMUN. APOC Financial Analyst, African Region Human Development Department, The World Bank, l8l8 H StreetNW, ioom Jl0 - lTTBfrashington DC 20433, USA - Tel: +l .202-458-3768- Fax: +t.ZO2-473-g216 _Ernail: bdhonrun@wortdbirk.org NGDOs/ONGD Carter Center 78' Dr Frank o. RICHARDS, Director, River Blindness Program, The Carter Center, one CopenhillAvenue, 453 Freedom parkway, Arlanta, GA 30307, USA _ Tel: +l .404 320 3g9g _ Fax: +1.770_ 420-388 I - Email: frich0l@ernorv.edu 79' Mrs Natalie Nicole KRUSE, Chief Development officer. The Carter Cenrer, one CopenhillAvenue, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, CA30307. USA - Tel: +l .404-420s100 - Fax: +1.404- 688 I 70 I - E-mail: nkruse@enror.v.edu Christoffel B lindenmission (CBM) 80' Dr Konrad Hans Martin KOLLMANN, Program Director for Neglected Tropical Diseases, CBMcentral Africa Regional office, P.o. Box sgoo+ - 00200 cit/Square, ning Road parklands,Nairobi, Kenya - Tel: +254-20.3751-798; +254-20.3751 654; +254-20.3742-7Og - Fax: +25420.37 40 -30 S - E-mail : rn kol I rnann@cbmi_nbo.ore ) 8l' Dr Abdulmajid Abdulqawi Farhan AL-HAI\4IDI, Secretary General, charitable society for SocialWelfare (CSSw), Western Ring Road, New University Inrersection, p.O. Box 13254, Sana,a,Yemen - Tel: +967- l-464402 - Fax: +967_l-464419 _ E_mail: into@c.s*yemen.org 82' Dr Isameldin Awas Elhussein SALAH, Director of NTDs control program, charitable Society forSocial welfare (cssw), western Ring Road, New university Intersection, p.o. Box 13254,Sana'a, Yemen - Tel: +967- t-7339$34, - Fax: +96.1-l_464399 _ E_mail: lt-t@e$yygmeAptg Helen Keller International (HKI) 83' Mr chad MAC ARTHUR, Director- of Neglected rropical Disease control, Helen Kellerlnternational (HKI), 352 Park Avenue south, Siite 1200, New york city, Ny 10010, uSA - Tel:+l-207-833-7344 - Fax: +l .212-s32-6014 - E-mail: crnacafthur@hki.ore JAF I8.4 Page 34 IMA World Health 84. Dr Sarla CHAND, Vice President of Programs, IMA World Health, 500 Main Street, P.O. Box 429, New Windsor, MD 21776, USA - Tel: + l -410-635-8720 - Cellular: +1.443-244-0540 - Fax: + 1.4 I 0-63 5-87 26 - E-mail : sarlachand@irnaworldhealth.org 85. Ms Ann VARGHESE, Senior Program Officer, IMA World Health, 500 Main Street. P.O. Box 429, New Windsor, MD 21776, USA - Tel: +l-410-635-87 t6 - E-rnail: ann varghese@irnaworldhealth.ore Lions Clubs International Foundation 86. Mr Karim BENGRAINE, SightFirst Regional Prograrns Specialist, 300 W 22nd Street Oak Brook. IL 60523, USA Tel: +l-630-465-6528 - Fax: +l-630-7069178 E-rnail: karirn.bengraine@I ionscIubs.org Mectizan@ Donation Program 87. Dr Adrian Dennis HOPKtNS. Director. Mectizan Donation Program, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur. CA- 30030. USA - Tel +1.404-3'71-1460 - Fax: +1.404-371-l138 Email: aho pki n s(g)tas k lbrce. org 88. Dr Kisito OGOUSSAN, Associate Director (Onchocerciasis), Mectizan@ Donation Program, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, CA- 30030, USA - Tel +1.404-687-5633 - Fax: +1.404-371-1138 - Emai I : ko gussarr@taskforce.ors 89. Mrs Catherine HODGKIN, Consultant, MDP, Hodgkin Advice & Facilitation, Linnaeusparkweg 35, 1098 CP Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tel: 31(0)206651413 E-mail: Catherine.hodgkin@qmail.conr; chodekin@xs4all.nl 90. Dr Francisca Elizabeth Jacobine JENNISKENS, Freelance Evaluator, MDP, Westerhoutstrat 21, 2Ol2 JP Haarlem, The Netherlands - Tel: +316 30848309 - E-mail: f.jenniskens@me.com MITOSATH 91. Mrs Francisca Onyekachi OLAMIJU, Executive Director/Medical Parasitologist, Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH). Plot 42046, Mun-Cyel, Behind WAEC Office, P.O. Box 205 Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria Tel: +234 (0) 8033318085 E-mail: mitosath@hotmai[.com/ franciscauk@hotmail.com Oreanisation pour la Prdvention de la Cdcitd (OPC) gZ. Dr Bernard Andrd PHILIPPON, Chargd de Mission.35 Avenue Jean Moulin,75014 Paris, France - Tel : +331 40 44 94 04 - Fax : +331 44 12 23 0l - E-mail : abphilippon@yahoo.fr Siehtsavers 93. Dr Caroline Harper, Chief Executive Officer, Sightsavers, Grosvenor Hall, Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4BX, United Kingdom - Tel: +44(0) 1444 44 66 00 - Fax: +44 (0) 1444 44 66 88 - E-mail: charper@sightsavers.ore 94 JAF I8.4 Page 35 Mr. Simon BUSH, Director Neglected Tropical Diseases & Director Advocacy. Sightsavers, P.O. Box 18190,21 NII Nortei Ababio Street, Airport Res. Area. Accra. Ghana -Tel: +233 302 774210 - Fax: +233 302780227 - Email: sbus vers.ot'g 95. Mr Luke THOMAS, Ceneral Manager, Sightsavers, Middle East, Unit 401, Building 27, Block B, Dubai Healthcare City, P.O. Box 505166, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tel: +971 (0) 44552941 - Fax: +971 (0) 4 454 2940 - E-mail: lrhomas@sighrsavers.or.q United Front Against Riverblindness (UFAR) 96. Dr Daniel Luhata SHUNCU, l3 Carnation Place. Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648. USA -Tel: + 1.609-954-3398 - Fax: + 1.609-530-l 594 - E-mail: dlshu,eu@aol.corrr OTHER DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS/AUTRES PARTENATRES AU DEVELOPPEMENT Arab Fund 97. Dr Muwaffaq SAQQAR, Arab Fund, Kuwait City, Kurvait - Tel : +965 99660 427 - E-matl : rn saqqar@arabf urrd.org BADEA 98. Mr Mohamed ELAICHOUNI, Chief Technical Assistance Divisiorr, BADEA, P.O. Box 2540, Khartoum, Sudan -Tel: +249 183 77 36 46 - Fax: +249 183 7706 00 - E-mail: badea@badea.ore Bill & Melinda Cates Foundation 99. Dr Julie JACOBSON, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, p.O. Box 23350 Seaftle, WA 98109 USA Tel: +1.206-709-3415 Fax: +1206-494-7039 E-mail: J u I ie..iacobson@eatesfoundation.org Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) 100. Dr Jesus Salvador DE LA TORRE, Senior Medical Technical Adviser, Regional Coordinator for Africa, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), Centenary House, l" Floor, Wing A, p.O. Box 13811-00800, westlands, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +2s4-720-?gg-7og E-mail: Sal vador@cmm b.org; gc.salvador@gmai l.com Liverpool School of Tropicat Medicine (LSTM)4DEID l0l. Professor David Hurst MOLYNEUX, Centre for Neglected Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom - Tel: 44-l5l-705-31gl - E- mail : david. molyneux@liv.ac. uk Erasmus Universitv 102. Dr Sake DE VLAS, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands - Tel: +31 l0 70aa2gi; +31 l0 7038460 - Fax: +31 l0 703E47s - E-mail: s.devlas@erasmusmc.nl JAFI8.4 Page 36 lnstitut de Recherche pour le Ddveloppement (tRD) 103. Dr Michel BOUSSINESQ, Directeur de Recherche, Institut de Recherche pour le Ddveloppement (lRD), UMI 233, 9l I avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Tel: +334 67 41 64 4l - Fax : +33 4 67 41 6146 - E-mail: michel.boussinesq@ird.fr Islamic Development Bank 104. Dr El Bashier SALLAM, Manager Health Division, Islamic Development Bank (lDB), King Khalid Road, P.O. Box 52929. Jeddah, 21432, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Tel: +966 26466729 - Fax: +66 26467828 - E-mail: asallam@isdb.ore Kuna I 05. Mr Osama CALALALI, Kuna, Kuwait City, Kuwait - Tel: +965 99503766 - E-mail galalosarna@)hotmai 1.com 106. Dr Placido Monteiro CARDOSO, Directeur Gdneral. Organisation Ouest Africaine de la Sante (OOAS), 0l BP 153, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 20 97 57 75 - Fax : +226 20 97 57 72 - E-mail: rvahooas@fasonet.bf : placa12002(Dhotrnai l. ti WHo/HQ/GENEVA-OMS/SIEGE/GEN EVE 107. Mr. Xavier DANEY, Senior Legal Officer, Office of the Legal Counsel, World Health Organization (WHO),20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211, Ceneva 27, Switzerland - Tel: +41-22791- l87l - Fax: +41 22791-4158 - Email: daneyx@rvho.int 108 Dr Annette KUESEL, Scientist, WHO/TDR, 20 Avenue Appia CH-l2l I Geneva 27, Switzerland - Tel: +41 22791-1541 - Fax: +4122 791 4774 - E-mail: kuesela(E.who.int 109. Dr Tony UKETY , NGDO Croup Responsible Officer, Prevention of Blindness and Deafness, World Health Organization (WHO), 20 Avenue Appia, CH-121I Geneva 27, Switzerland - Tel: +41-22-791-1450 - Fax: +41-22-791-4772 - Email: uketyt@who.int I10. Ms Juliet OCHIENGHS, Administrative Officer, World Health Organization (WHO), 20 Avenue Appia, l2ll Geneva 27, Switzerland - Tel: +4122791-12580 - Fax: +4122791-4772 -Email: ochienclui@tryhaint WHO/AFRO/OMS AF'RO lll Dr Matshidiso MOETI, Deputy Regional Director, World Health Organization RegionalOffice for Africa (WHO/AFRO), Citd du Djoud, BP 06, Brazaville, Congo - Tel: +47 241 39 100 - Fax: +47 241 39 506 - E-mail: moetirn@afro.who.int ll2. Dr Ngenda Chris MWIKISA, Director, HSS Cluster, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO), Citd du Djou6, BP 06, Brazzaville, Congo - Tel: +47 24139 388 - Fax: +47 2413951 I - Email: rnwikisac@afro.who.int West African Health Oreanization (WAHO/OOAS) JAF I8.4 Page 37 I 13. Dr Adiele Nkasiobi ONYEZE, Programme Manager, Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO/NTD/AFRO), Citd du Djoue, BP 06, Brazzaville, Congo -Tel: +47 2421 39161- Fax: +47 24139 641'- E-mail:on.yezea@atio.who.int;acliele@onyeze.net WHO/SECRETARIAT.S ECRETARIAT OMS I14. Dr Paul-Samson LUSAMBA-DIKASSA, Director, APOC, Avenue Naba Zombre N. 1473, 0l B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tet: +226 50 34 22 77 - Fax: +226 50 34 48 00 - Email: lusanrba ro.afro.rvho.int ll5. Dr Laurent YAMEOCO, Coordinator, Director's Office, APOC, Avenue Naba Zombrd N. 1473,0l B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34 4l 04 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75 - Emai I : vameogo[@oncho.afro.who. int I16. Dr Mounkaila NOMA, Chiel Epidemiology and Vector Elimination Unit, APOC, Avenue Naba Zonbre N" 1473, 0l B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 74 29 53 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75 - Email: nornam@oncho.afio.who.inr l17. Mr Honorat Custave ZOURE, Biostatistics and Mapping Officer. APOC, Avenue Naba Zombrd No 1473, 0l B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34 29 59 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75 - Email: zourelr@oncho.afr.o.rvho.int I 18. Dr Grace FOBI, Community Ownership and Partnership Officer (COP/APOC), Avenue Naba Zombre No 1473, 0l B.P. 549, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34 Zg 53 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75, Ernail: lobig@oncho.afro.who.int Mrs. Zainab AKIWUMI, Communication and Advocacy Officer (CAO/APOC), Avenue Naba Zombre N' 1473,01 B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34- Fax: +226 50 34 28 75 - E-mail: akirvunriz@oncho.afro.who.int Mr Koffi Benoit AGBLEWONU, Budget and Finance Officer, APOC, Avenue Naba Zombrd No 1473,01 B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso -Tel: +226 50 34 29 53 - Fax: (226) 50 34 Zg 75 - Emai l: aeblervonuk@orrcho.afto. who. int Mr Raogo KIMA, Translator (TRAD/Apoc), Avenue Naba Zombrd No 1473, B.p. 549, ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34 sg 53 - Fax: +226 50 34 2g 75 - E-mail: k i rnar@oncho.afro. who. int Mr Yaovi AHOLOU, Programme Officer (PRO/APOC), Avenue Naba Zombr6 N" 1473, B.p. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34 59 53 - Fax: +226 S0 34 2g 75 - E-mail: aho louy(Donc ho. afr o. who. int Mrs Marie Rose I(ABORE, Administrative Assistant (AA/Meetings/ApOC), Avenue Naba Zombre No 1473, B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 SO 34 29 53 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75- Email: ouedraogor@oncho.atto.who.int Mrs Antoinette ILBoUDO, Secretary to Communication and Advocacy Offrcer, Sustainable DrugDistribution Unit (CAO/APOC), P.o. Box 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 3429 53 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75 - E-mail: nana@oncfio.afro.who.int l19 120 l2t 122 123 t24 JAFI8.4 Page 38 125. Mrs Patricia B.Y. MENSAH, Senior Administrative Assistant, Sustainable Drug Distribution Unit (AA/SDD/APOC), Avenue Naba Zombrd N" 1473. B.P. 549, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso - Tel: +226 50 34 29 53 - Fax: +226 50 34 28 75 - Email: rnensahp@qrQho.afi'o.who.irrt APOC TECHNICAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE 126. Prof. Mamoun HOMEIDA. P.O. Box 12810, Khartoum. Sudan - Tel: (+249) 183 224762 - Fax (+249) 183 224799 - E-mail : amst3 3(Ohotrnai l.conr CSA ADVISORY GROUPS/ GROUPES CONSULTATTTFS DU CAP 127 Dr Sam ADJEI. Chief Executive, Centre for Health and Social Services (CheSS), PMB 52 Ministries. Accra, Ghana - Tel: +233 244 691625 - E-mail: drsarnadjei@.v-ahoo.conr 128. Professor Pascale Adukwei ALLOTEY, Global Public Health. School of Medicine. Monash University. Sunway Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan. Bandar Sunrvay,46l50. Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia - Tel: +60355144959; +603 80lll29l - Mobile: +60162259792 - E-ntail: pallotev@ gmai l.corn; pascale.al lotey@rnonash.edu 129. Dr Anthony Theophilus SEDDOH, Director, Operations, Center for Health and Social Services (CHeSS), PMB 52 Ministries, Accra, Ghana - Tel: +233268187259 E-mail: tseddolt@vahoo.co. uk INTERPRETERS/INTERPRETES 130. MrChristian STENERSEN, 123 Les Rossanets, F-01170 Segny, France -Tel: +33 45041 7880 - Emai 1 : christi an.stenerseu@orange.lr 131 Ms Genevieve CLEMENT, Le Parc du Jura,42 avenue du Jura, F-01210 Ferney-Voltaire. France - Tel: +33 456820578 - Email: s.clement@club-internet.fr 132. Mrs. Safidtou BARRY, 09 B.P. 526 Ouagadougou 09, Burkina Faso - Tel: (+226) 78 03 64 55 ; Cellulaire (+226)70 21 4l l4 - Email: safia-barry@yahoo.fr 133. Mr. Victor IMBOUA-NIAVA, lnterpreter,3 Maple Crescent, DTD, Silver Bells 2, Regimanuel Estates, East Airport, Accra, Ghana - Tel: +233 244730068 - E-mail: vimbouaniava@yahoo.com 134. Mrs Maria Eduarda FORDHAM, Interpreter, Rua Dr Egas Moniz,2-2D, Estoril 2'765-218, Lisbon, Portugal Tel: +351-214 6'70 837 Mobile : +351-917 l8l 834 E-mail: mem fbrdharn@ gma i l. co m 135 Ms. Sofia Esperanca REMEDIOS DE FARIA, Interpreter, Av. das Acacias, 108 2765-389 Monte Estoril, Lisbon, Portugal - Tel: +351-214-681-810 - Mobile: +351-919-448-672 - E-mail: remediosS9@email.com 136. Mrs. Maria TEIXEIRA, Interpreter, 1283 Prima Vista Estate, Dereham Drive, Mulbarton Ext.2, ZA-2059 Johannesburg, South Africa - Tel/Fax: +27-ll-682-14-02 - Mobile: +2'7-82-652-35-63 - E-mai I : maria@fast.co.za JAF I8.4 Page 39 137. Mrs. Kathryn Jane WATSON, [nterpreter. Av. Infante D. Henrique 723, PT-2750-170 Cascais Lisbon, Portugal - Tel/Fax: +31t-2t4 820 g56 Mobile : +351_962337 66g _ E_mail : 38 I rnee@oninet. pt; kathrynj w@oninet.pt r38 Mr Fathi AL-SALTI, Conference lnterpreter, P.O. Box 79, Cebbalet B. Ammar, 2032 Ariana, Tunisia - Tel: +216 98302024 - Fax: +216 70527766 - E-mail: falsalri@yahoo.conr Mr Mounir AL-KHUDRI, Intemational Conference Interpreter,8, Rue du Vieux-Marchd 1207 ceneva, Switzerland Tel: +41796794219 - Fax: +41227i57s53 E-mail: rnalkhudri@yahoo.com r39 140. Mrs Abeya NAFRAWY, lnterpreter, l0 Chemin Tave rney Gendve l2 18, Suisse - Tel : +4122 798 2518 - E-mail abeva uafraw hotnrail.corn l4l' Mr Fethi DAMERCY, Interprdte aiic,45 Avenue du Champel 1206 Ceneva, Switzerland -Mobile : +41 796338366 - E-mail : dar*erg.v@hot.rail.corrr MEDIA/COMMUNICATION 142' Mrs Mona YASSIN, Communication Officer, World Health Organization (WHO). p.O. Box 760g,Nasr city. (il37r) cairo - Egypt - Ter: +202 22765020 - Fax: +202 22765455 - E-mair: vassinm@emro.who.int 143' Mr Souleymane KONE, Health Information and Promorion Officer (HIp), World HealthOrganization, 0l BP 2494 Abidjan 01, C6te d'lvoire - Tel: +225.22.5t.72.00 - Fax: +225.22.5 1 .7 2.32 - cel l : +22s.07 .r 4. g3. 93 - E-mail : kones@ci.afro. who. i nt INVITED GUEST/ INVITES 144' Dr Uche Veronica AMAZIGO, Scientist, P.o. Box 3397, Main post Office, Okpara Avenue, Enugu State, Nigeria - Tel: clo +234 703g391243 _ E_mail: amazigo4@yahoo.com 145' Dr Jan H.F. REMME, APOC Consultant on Onchocerciasis Elimination, l2O Rue desCampanules, 0 I 2 I 0 Ornex, France - Tel : +3 3 645457 404 _ E_mail: harrsremnre@gmai l.com JAFI8.4 Page 40 JOINT ACTION FORUM Office of the Chairman JOTNT ACTION FORUM Seventeenth Session Kuwait City (Kuwait). l2-14 December 201t Annex 2 African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) Programme africain de lufte contre l'onchocercose JAF.FAC FORUM D'ACTION COMMUNE Bureau du Pr6sident JAFI'7.2 Opening l. 2. 3. 4. PROVISIONAL AGENDA Opening of the session Election of Officers Adoption of Agenda Reflections of the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies CDTI: Implementation/Monitoring/Evaluation/Surveillance 5. Report of the World Health Organization 6. Country reports: treatment coverage, Govemments and NGDOs' financial contributions 7 . Report of the Technical Consultative Committee (TCC) 8. Status of Onchocerciasis Control in former OCP countries 9. Elimination of Onchocerciasis transmission in Africa:Recent evaluation studies and update on disease distribution map. Strengthening health systems and Co-implementation 10. Co-implementation:(i) lntegrated mapping of five NTDs and mapping loasis (eye worm)(ii) Co-implementation I l. Capacity building of countries The Future of APOC 12. Report of the CSA on the Future of APOC(i) Extemal views on Co-lmplementation(ii) Extemal views on Elimination(iii) Extemal views on the Future of APOC(iv) Final conclusions and recommendations of CSA to JAF Closed session 13. Closed session of Ministers of Health, donors and NGDOs Research and Drug Development 14. Health Impact Assessment of APOC operations 15. Cunent research within APOC and TDR Collaboration Partnership 16. Report of the NGDO Coordination Group for Onchocerciasis Control JAF I8.4 Page 4 I a Programme management and Finance 17. Audit report lq Financing of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)19. Amendments to part ll of the Memorandum for ApOC20. Statements by Donors Final Communiqu6 and closure 21. Date and place of the Eighteenth Session22. FinalCommuniqud 23. Closure of the Seventeenth Session JAF I8.4 Page 42 Annex 3 STATEMENT H.E. Sheikh Sabah Khaled AlHamad AlSabab, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman, Board of Directors of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development lTth Joint Action Forum of the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) t2n4t20tt Excellencies, Ladies and Centlemen. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the State of Kuwait and to this important meeting on the elimination of river blindness. [t is also a source of pleasure that this significant meeting coincides with the 50'r' anniversary of the State of Kuwaits' Independence as well as the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in 1961. The Kuwait Fund has joined the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) on behalf of the State of Kuwait since its inception in 1974 and had the honor of hosting the fourth meeting of the Program in 1977. [t is our privilege to host the Joint Action Forum of the African Program for Onchocerciasis (Control (APOC) that was established in 1995. Being the second largest development institution after the World Bank, the Kuwait Fund is a key pillar in Kuwait foreign aid policy. Kuwait has farexceeded the0.'1o/o of GNP of developed countries set by the United Nations for development assistance. We at the Kuwait Fund have taken it upon ourselves to strive to the best of our abilities to assist societies to prosper. The Fund's mission since its establishment, just six months after Kuwaits' independence. has been first and foremost a humanitarian one; driven by our noble principles to ensure the betterment of people's lives. Our formula is simple; we invest in the well-being of people. Over the course of five decades, the Fund has provided loans and assistance worth $15 billion to over 100 nations. The potential for societies to strive and develop are there to be unlocked. What is required from institutions like the Kuwait Fund is to tap into that potential and provide the essentials to achieve it. The Fund has extended development assistance for the implementation of over 800 projects in recipient countries in various sectors, primarily economic and social. Poverty reduction has been a central goal of these development operations in line with global efforts to assist developing countries to achieve their Millennium Development Goals of which alleviating poverty is at the forefront of these objectives. Recognizing the important role of human resources development in eradicating poverty and achieving economic growth through improved health and other social services, the fund expanded its activities in the health sector in recent years and provided finance for the construction of various clinics and hospitals, including supplying them with modern medical equipment for screening and treating diseases in number of countries, especially low-income countries. a aJAF I8.4 Page 43 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Controlling diseases such as river blindness and other health problems is crucial to fight againstpoverty. Onchocerciasis does not only disempower humans by loss of sight. but also aggravates their misery and deepens their poverty by forcing them to abandon their livelihood resources in infested fertile lands. Millions of people in Africa and large land areas have been freed from the threats of Onchocerciasis and its associated risks. I seize this opportunity to congratulate all partners in the program for the breakthrough in respect of controlling the disease through their concertea efforts. dedication. and commitment to a noble cause. This partnership is an exemplary approach of international cooperation for addressing not only health issues, but also development concems as well. I wish to take this opportunity to assure you of our continued commitment and suppo]t to the Program in the confidence that our collective effoms will futfill the vision of an African continent free f'rorn the scourge of debilitating river blindness. Finally, I welcome you again in Kuwait and wish you a pleasant stay, and a successful meeting. Thank you... I JAF 18.4 Page 44 Annex 4 ADDRESS OF THE OUTGOING CHAIR OF THE I6TII SESSION OF THE JOINT ACTION FORUM PROF C.O. ONYEBUCHI CHUKWU, THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HEALTH, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, DELIVERED ON I2TH DECEMBER, 2OII AT SHERATON KUWAIT HOTEL & TOWERS, KUWAIT CITY. Your Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Your Excellency the President of the Kuwait Fund, Your Excellency the Regional Director of WHO for Africa, Your Excellencies the Ministers of Health of the Onchocerciasis endemic African countries, The Director of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), Representatives of the Bilateral and Multilateral Agencies, Representatives of Donor Countries and lnstitutions; Distinguished Delegates and lnvited guests, Ladies and Gentlernen, On behalf of the entire partnership, composing the Joint Action Forum (JAF) of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control. I rvould like to sincerely thank the Covernment and the people of Kuwait for the warm and cordial hospitality and the exceptional arrangements made for the success of this seventeenth session of the JAF. I also extend our sincere congratulations to Kurvait Fund and the highest authorities of Kuwait for the 50'h anniversary of the Fund and its huge achievements, in particular for supporting the socio-economic development of Onchocerciasis-freed zones, contributing therefore effectively to the alleviation of the povefty in Africa. Your Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, distinguished delegates, without any doubt, we can affirm that significant progress was made in various areas by our governments and the numerous partners supporting the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control. Please allow me therefore to highlight our major achievements throughout the year 201 l. Assistance to countries in order to determine when and where treatment with ivermectin could be safely stopped has been intensified, extending evaluation activities to a total of 28 sites. We are pleased to note that only 4 sites out of the 28 presented unsatisfactory results. Furthermore, a total population of 16,946,501 living in the24 sites are showing good progress of being protected from Onchocerciasis. The beauty of these evaluations is also that we can attest that the capacity-building component for nationals involved in the exercise has been strengthened. Consequently we thus consider the future with much hope. In the same vein the number of people treated with ivermectin increased by I l% from 2009 to 2010, reaching 75.8 million. The progress made in post-conflict countries, with few exceptions, is remarkable. On average those countries reached in 2010 the therapeutic coverage threshold of 650/o which is necessary for the control of River Blindness as a public health problem. Ladies and Centlemen, the use of the Community-Directed Intervention approach through the network of community volunteers put in place by APOC made possible the delivery, in 2010, of 54.9 million treatments and other health interventions in I I countries, as compared to 28 million in 2009. Effofts are being made to conduct integrated mapping in Angola, Chad, DRC and Cameroon, and to increase the number of people reached using the CDI strategy. a at JAF I8.4 Page 45 Furthermore, to ensure the sustainability of CDI interventions and contribute to the strengthening of health systems, APoC partnership trained, in 2010, more than 535,000 community distributors and more than53'000 health workers in l5 countries. This represents a l5% increase as compared to 2009. APoC started stressing gender mainstreaming two years ago. This important activity is picking momerltum and the underlying philosophy is gaining better understanding in some counrries inttuain!Chad. Dernocratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic where workshops and field work were conducted. This seems to start impacting positively on the selection of female Community DirectedDistributors. Ladies and Centlemen, I rvish to stress that the implementation of the recommendations of ApOC 2010 rnid-term evaluation on elimination, co-implementation and the future of APOC has benefited fromdiscussions by and guidance from the Technical Consultative committee, and the committee ofSponsoring Agencies. I would like to thank the members of JAF for their suppofi and contributions. ourdeliberations on this subject will be indeed critical for the future of our unique and successful partnershipfor the control and elimination of onchocerciasis. For the projects already inrplemented, the impact of the treatments orr the epidemiologic parameters of orchocerciasis is significant. However, to reach our elimination objective, ten additional years beyond20 15, and a stronger commitment of our governments and international cornmunity as a whole will benecessary' Even though some new projects are being launched in 201 l, l0 to i5 y"u., of effectivetherapeutic and geographic coverage-are needed to reach elimination stage. All partners are invited tocontribute to the development of a drug having macrofilaricide effect which cin shorten therapeuticduration. In conclusion, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, the year 20ll was fullof challenges and I am happy to note horiever that allthe paftners of the programme add.essed with muchsuccess' These successes would have been more signilicant if we were not in an environment whereconflicts, socio-political unrest and co-endemicity oF Onchocerciasis with Loiasis slow down the fullimplementation of a number of CDTI projects. Your Excellencies, Honorable Ministers and distinguished delegates, I thank you for your attention, andwish us successful deliberations. JAF I8.4 Page 46 Annex 5 Address of APOC Director to the lTth Session of the Joint Action Forum Kuwait City, 12 December 2011 Excellency, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Excellency, the Chairman of the l6'r'session of the Joint Action Forum. Honourable Ministers and Heads of Delegations, Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives of International Cooperation Agencies. Distinguished Representatives of Donors Countries and lnstitutions. Distinguished Representatives of Non-governmental Development Organizations, Ladies and Centlemen. In the past I had the opportunity to attend sorne sessions of APOC Joint Action Forum. However, this is the first time as APOC Director. lt is indeed a great honour and privilege for me to be addressing the Forum in this capacity. During the last seven months, I have been privileged on several occasions to witness first hand the effectiveness of the vibrant unique partnership that has been leading the fight against Onchocerciasis in Africa for more than three decades. Indeed, the challenge to deliver timely may look daunting, considering the magnitude of the task given to APOC, and the size of its secretariat. However, the partnership has always been around to provide the necessary guidance and suppon through the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies, the Technical Consultative Committee, the network of NCDOs, and the collaboration of academic and research institutions. Ladies and Centlemen, When the stakeholders agreed to contribute to large-scale Onchocerciasis control efforts 37 years ago, the most that could be .*p.it"d was to control the disease and eliminate it as a public health problem in Africa. Today their initial expectations have been surpassed, for the feasibility of elimination of the disease has been established. At its l5,h Session, the Joint Action Forum encouraged APOC to continue to evaluate progress towards Onchocerciasis elimination, and last year in Abuja, JAF requested the Committee of Sponsoring Agencies to provide advice on the future of APOC. During the last l2 months, both the CSA and APOC Management have spared no effort in order to gather the required evidence for addressing the requests of the JAF. your deliberations during this 17'hsession are expected to lead to decisions of critical importance for the future of onchocerciasis control and elimination in Africa. Affected communities, front line workers, governments and partners alike eagerly await those decisions' Ladies and Gentlemen, Many activities were undertaken during the last l2 months. The Committee of Sponsoring Agencies, the Technical Consultative Committee, the NCDO Coordination, Country delegations, and APOC Management will report on these and seek your usual guidance' I a at JAFI8.4 Page 47 Other important items on the agenda include: progress made in co-implementation and contribution to strengthening of health systems; joint implementation or integration of activities related to the control oI Neglected Tropical Diseases; challenges encountered in research activities for the development of an alternative drug and new diagnostic tools. APOC Management will also give a detailed account of significant activities and achievements of the Programme, as well as the utilization of the financial ,esour""i at its disposal. Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of APoC Management and all participants present here, I wish to thank the Government of Kuwait for their hospitality. I thank the Kuwait Fund for hosting this meeting in such a magnificent venue and for the excellerrt facilities provided to all the participants. I thank all the Delegations for honouring the invitation to attend JAFl7, and allthe partners who contiuue to provide the necessary resources to sustain and win the fight against River blindness in Africa. I thank the members of the Joint Action Forum for their guidance and continuous support in the implementation of the programme. Thank you for your kind attention. I JAFI8.4 Page 48 Annex 6 Address of Regional Director to the lTth Session of the Joint Action Forum Kuwait City,12 December 2011 Mr. Clrairrnan - ilorrourablc N,linistcr <lt'l-lealth [-lonourable Ministcrs arrd l)istirrguished llcads of Courrtrl' [)elcgatious Excellerrcies Mertttrers ot' the Diplonratic Corps arrd Representatires ol' lnternatiorral Cooperati()n Agencies. Disti rr guished r eprescrtlat ives ol rnu lti lateral and bi lateral rlonors. Distirrguished represerrtalives ol'non-govenlnterttal developnrent orqanizations (NCDOs) Disti rr gu ished representat ives oI pharmaceutical cornparr ies. Distinguishe'd Gucsts. participants aud cxpcrls. ML'nlbcrs ol' thc Media. l .adics artd Ccrrtlcrncn. It is a distinct honor and privilege for me to stand here this morning and deliver this statemerrt on behalf of Dr Luis Comes Sambo, Regional Director of WHOiAFRO. I look around this conference hall with great pride and satisfaction. and I recognize the presence of many paftners and stakeholders in our common endeavours to eliminate onchocerciasis. [t is heaftwarming to see so many of you here this morning, especially in these difficult financial times. Your presence at this forum is a true testimony of your unwavering commitment to onchocerciasis control in Africa. Thank you all for coming. On your behalf and on my own I wish to warmly thank the Kuwait Fund for their remarkable generosity, notjustforhostingthis l7'r'sessionbutalsofortheexcellentfacilitiestheyhavemadeavailabletoevery participant at this meeting. We are most grateful that they have provided the best conditions to enable us have a fruitful meeting. Due to the current unfavorable global economic situation, financing for health and development programmes is stagnating or dwindling and some programmes have had to scale down or close. APOC is the envy of many, for it has the good fortune to have partners who are committed to achieving what they set out to do several years ago. No one here can be in any doubt about the success of the APOC partnership - this unique global public - private partnership that started almost four decades ago. You first set out to control onchocerciasis in West Africa, and following on the success of those efforts you decided to extend your commitment to the rest of Africa. The results and achievements of both the OCP and APOC programmes are clear for all to see. At the closure of the OCP in2002,600 000 cases of blindness had been prevented,20 million children born since the start of the programme would not become blind from onchocerciasis, and 25 million hectares of abandoned arable land had been reclaimed for settlement and agricultural production. When APOC started operations in 1996 there were only four CDTI projects; today there are 107. tn 2010, over 75.9 million people were treated in 138,448 communities out of 144,837 in l6 countries. Results for progress towards elimination are very promising, and it is expected that eleven out of the sixteen countries conducting CDTI will achieve elimination by 2020. And it is not just those in this room who know about the achievements of the APOC programme. The World Bank in its "strategic vision for Africa" specifically cites APOC as d successful private public partnershipfor health I t I at l t JAF I8.4 Page 49 Distinguished members of the JAF, this praise belongs to you, for the strength of APOC lies in its special partnership. A partnership that brings together people from diverse backgrounds, international donors, NCDOs, participating countries, the private sector, scientific and research institutions and endemic communities rvorking together to reach a common goal. This is a crucial time for the programme and the partnership. There are many critical issues on the agenda of this l7'h session: the shift to elimination, the role of APOC in co-implementation, and not leasi, the future of APOC. You are called upon. distinguished members of the JAF, to make important decisions that will deterntine the way lorward for this organization. It is not my intention to pre-empt your decisions. However you have already invested more than a billion US dollars in orrchocerciasis control and the gains have been remarkable. Now is not the time to stop, not when we can see the end in sight. We have indeed corne a long rvay t'rom the world that t{oberr McNamara saw not so very long ago - A world where 50% of able-bodied adults were blind; rvhere poverty was rife because people had to abandon fertile riverine lands to move to "oncho" safe but arid lands, where for every blind individual, two lives were jeopardized, that of the blind adult and that of the child who had to lead him or her around and could not go to school or learn a trade. This was a rvorld. where. to quote Robert S. McNamara when he first ctrcotrntered the disease in 1972 in Burkina Faso and concluded that steps must be taken to control it "literally rnillions of people r.vele at lisk of a fate that could be rvorse rlran death in that society and tirne". Thanks to this great partnership that world is no more, and I arn sure you will all agree with me that such a world must never be allowed to come back. As we deliberate on the critical issues before us, there are, among other, two questions we need to address: l. Have our contributions and support made a difference to the lives of affected communities since you started? 2. Is the job done and if not, can we afford to stop now and allow onchocerciasis to take hold again and send millions of people back to a "fate worse than death"? Please allow me to share some of my own thoughts: Firstly, this partnership has not just delivered ivermectin to oncho-endemic populations, but the difference made to the lives of affected communities, both socially and economically, is priceless. Men and women are now free from relentless itching and disfiguring skin lesions, and can marry and mingle socially; they no longer need to fear getting blind from river blindness; abandoned fertile lands have been reclaimed for farming and other productive activities, ensuring food security; people can now look to a brighter future. Secondly, though the successes have been many, there is still more to be done. For example, with the clear evidence that onchocerciasis can be eliminated with ivermectin treatment alone, there is need for the onchocerciasis elimination agenda to be pursued, while reinforcing collaboration and synergies for joint programme implementation in tackling other neglected tropical diseases and health "ondition.. Activities will need to be intensified in post conflict countries to ensure they achieve satisfactory geographic and therapeutic coverage rates. The World Health Organization is engaged in a reform agenda, in order to maintain its ability to respond to the expectations of the world, as the main agency for international health. We will continue to offer aplatform for coordinated high-level advocacy and policy-making through the WHOA.ITD Regional JAF I8.4 Page 50 Programme. as well as provide technical support where needed. We wilt continue to support APOC operations as long as is required, not only for onchocerciasis elimination, but also for health system strengthening. Onchocerciasis control in Africa by the OCP and APOC programmes has been one of the most successful public health achievement, partnership development, sustained donor support, and social and economic development. The rest of the public health world has a lot to leam from this partnership and I urge participating countries to play their part, by sparing no effort to ensure their Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin projects perforrn well and achieve sustainability. Distinguished members of JAF, I have no doubt that your usual wisdom will prevail, and that your unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of the poor rvill enable you corne up with the right decisions for the programme. I wish you successful deliberations and a pleasant stay in this beautiful Kuwait City Thank you ] , a a