Social Survey

The elimination of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, does not depend solely on the effectiveness of medicines. It also relies on the willingness of communities to participate in the treatment strategies being implemented. This is why the EMINENCE project places a strong emphasis on social sciences, which constitute one of the project’s three major pillars. While moxidectin represents a promising innovation in the fight against onchocerciasis, its success will ultimately depend on its acceptance by the affected communities. Understanding people’s perceptions, expectations, concerns, and behaviors is therefore essential to ensure the sustainable adoption of this new treatment.

Why Integrate Social Sciences into a Clinical Research Project?

For more than twenty-five years, populations living in onchocerciasis-endemic areas of Central Africa have participated in community-directed ivermectin treatment campaigns. Although these interventions have significantly reduced the burden of the disease, persistent transmission continues to occur in some areas. Several factors may explain this situation, including treatment fatigue resulting from repeated mass drug administration campaigns, low participation among certain population groups, the spread of rumors, fear of adverse effects, and a lack of information adapted to local realities.

The introduction of moxidectin offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen elimination efforts. However, the biological effectiveness of the drug alone will not be sufficient if communities do not accept it and actively participate in treatment campaigns. It is precisely to address these challenges that the social sciences component of the EMINENCE project was developed.

Understanding the Acceptability of Moxidectin

One of the main objectives of this component is to assess the acceptability of moxidectin among communities affected by onchocerciasis. Researchers will seek answers to several key questions:

• How do communities perceive this new medication?
• What factors encourage or hinder its acceptance?
• Do previous experiences with ivermectin influence attitudes toward moxidectin?
• Which population groups are most likely to accept—or refuse—the treatment?

To answer these questions, the project team will conduct both quantitative and qualitative studies among residents of the study areas. Individual interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations will provide an in-depth understanding of the realities experienced by communities.

Identifying Barriers to Treatment Adherence

The elimination of onchocerciasis requires high treatment coverage over several consecutive years. Even the most effective medicine cannot achieve its full potential if a significant proportion of the population does not participate in treatment campaigns. Social science studies will help identify barriers to adherence, whether they are social, cultural, economic, or organizational in nature. Among the factors that will be explored are:

• Perceptions of disease-related risk
• Trust in health systems and healthcare providers
• Previous experiences with community-based treatment programs
• The influence of community leaders
• Gender-related issues and inequalities in access to information
• Occupational and family constraints that may limit participation in treatment campaigns.

The knowledge generated will help tailor communication and awareness-raising strategies to the specific needs of each community.

Making Communities True Partners

The EMINENCE project is built on a strong conviction: communities should not simply be beneficiaries of interventions but genuine partners in the elimination process. Accordingly, the social sciences component includes a comprehensive community engagement strategy.

Awareness-raising sessions will be organized with traditional authorities, community leaders, healthcare workers, and community drug distributors. Community advisory groups will also be established to encourage dialogue between researchers and local populations. The project further plans to identify and train “community champions” who will promote the benefits of treatment and disseminate reliable information within their communities.

Developing Appropriate Communication Tools

The findings from the social science studies will help design communication materials that address the real concerns and expectations of local populations. Posters, brochures, short videos, and other educational tools will be developed with the active participation of community members to ensure their cultural relevance and effectiveness. This participatory approach aims to strengthen trust, improve understanding of the treatment, and encourage sustained adherence to moxidectin distribution campaigns.

An Essential Contribution to the Success of the EMINENCE Project

The social sciences component plays a strategic role within the EMINENCE project. By generating knowledge on community behaviors, perceptions, and social dynamics, it will help maximize the impact of medical interventions. By bringing together biomedical research and social sciences, EMINENCE adopts a comprehensive public health approach, based on the belief that the sustainable elimination of onchocerciasis depends as much on community engagement as on therapeutic innovation.