Prevalence of human onchocerciasis in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Onchocerciasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the tissue nematode Onchocerca volvulus. Despite its importance for targeted intervention, the national prevalence is not well addressed in Ethiopia. Objective: This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of human onchocerciasis in Ethiopia. Methods: All literature published from 1973 to July 2022 were included in the present review A systematic review and meta-analysis was done following PRISMA guideline and checklists. Studies conducted on the prevalence of onchocerciasis in Ethiopia were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE databases. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2.2 software was used to calculate the pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochrane Q test and I2 test statistics based on the random effects model. Results: Twenty-one studies, which recruited a total of 14,983 participants, were included in the present review. The overall pooled prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus in Ethiopia was 31.8% using the random effect model. The heterogeneity between studies was high and significant (Q = 2881.2, I2 = 99.3%, P-value < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of onchocerciasis is high in Ethiopia, despite the implementation of prevention and control measures. Therefore, the existing mass drug administration program should be strengthened. Keywords: Onchocerciasis; Prevalence; Ethiopia; Onchocerca vulvulus.