Overview
National onchocerciasis elimination committees (NOECs) play a vital role in
national neglected tropical disease (NTD) programmes. The purpose of this
handbook is to provide practical guidance on:
how to establish an NOEC – defining objectives, setting up a formal committee,
selecting committee members, drafting terms of reference and engaging the right
people;
how to operate an NOEC – guiding implementation of national strategic plans,
establishing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, creating annual work
plans, designing contingency plans and reporting on progress; and
how to use the tools available to NOECs – making the best use of tools for
onchocerciasis surveillance and monitoring, communication, resource
mobilization and capacity-building.
The guidance is informed by successful country case studies and lessons learnt
that can be adapted to your country.
This handbook is intended for NOEC chairs and members, national programmes,
health officials and anyone involved in onchocerciasis elimination efforts.
This handbook was developed through an extensive global consultative process
involving NOECs, national programmes and other key stakeholders.