GONE webinar: Loiasis - a very neglected disease in Central Africa

Overview

Loiasis constitutes an important barrier to onchocerciasis control in co-endemic areas of Central Africa. Caused by the filarial parasite Loa loa and transmitted by Chrysops deerflies, the disease affects millions of people across ten countries in Central and West Africa—particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged forest and savannah communities. Although long overshadowed loiasis is a major cause of morbidity. Chronic symptoms such as severe headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, and pruritus contribute to significant disability and economic hardship, and in some settings loiasis is among the most frequent reasons for seeking healthcare. Its disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are comparable to those of other established neglected tropical diseases.

Raising the profile of Loa loa and addressing its health burden requires strong country engagement and continued efforts to generate and share high-quality data. Member States play a central role in determining whether loiasis should be formally proposed as a neglected tropical disease, while WHO’s role is to support evidence gathering and ensure that affected populations have access to appropriate care and tools. In this context, WHO is working with experts to develop a guideline to address clinical management of Loa loa in endemic countries in Africa and in returning travellers. In addition “A Mapping and Treatment Strategy for Onchocerciasis in Loa co-endemic Settings,” will provide technical guidance to safely implement onchocerciasis elimination interventions in these complex areas.

The webinar brings together leading experts on Loa loa, who will examine this disease from multiple perspectives: epidemiology, clinical burden, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and its implications for onchocerciasis elimination efforts. The presentations will cover the situation in endemic countries, cases detected in returning travelers, clinical manifestations and complications, recent treatment advances, and safe operational approaches such as the “test-and-not-treat” strategy. This session aims to highlight the urgent need for coordinated action, improved tools, and greater visibility for this long-overlooked disease, ensuring the right to health for the millions suffering from this condition in Africa.