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Article History

Received: 19 August 2025

Accepted: 23 January 2026

First Online: 14 April 2026

Declarations

:

: The study protocol was approved by the Côte d’Ivoire National Ethics Committee for Life Sciences and Health (149 − 22/MSHPCMU/CNESVS-kp) and was conducted in accordance with the protocol and the current version of the Declaration of Helsinki (ICH GCP Guidelines E6/R2). All individuals in the selected households were informed about the study’s objectives, procedures, potential risks and benefits. Participation was proposed by the investigator, a team member, or the local health worker. Individuals were included only after understanding the study, asking questions, receiving satisfactory answers, and providing informed consent. Participants aged 16 years and above provided their own informed consent, while for those under 16 years, consent was obtained from their parents or a legally authorised representative. Participants under 16 years of age also signed an assent form, in addition to the consent of their parents or legal guardians. For illiterate participants, informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from their legal guardian or an appropriate representative acting as a witness capable of understanding and communicating information with participant about the study. Data collection was conducted with strict confidentiality. Individuals who tested positive for onchocerciasis received treatment confidentially at the village health centre, where they were monitored by a nurse or physician and administered appropriate doses of ivermectin.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.