« OCP-Ento-Data », literally « Entomological Data of the former OCP Program », is a major initiative aimed at preserving and improving access to historical data from the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) collected between 1985 and 2007 (in its initial phase). These scattered data, in different formats, which cover entomological surveillance, insecticide treatments, river flow measurements and the results of applied research, useful to the program, are essential to the efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis.

In support of this objective, The END Fund has funded the development of a secure and accessible online OCP Entomological Database, allowing controlled access to these datasets for entomological surveillance and program planning in endemic countries. This database includes:

• Surveillance entomologique : Data on the capture and identification of blackflies (1985–2007)
• Insecticide treatments : Weekly data on treatments applied to West African rivers (1985–2002)
• Hydrological data : River flow measurements (1990–2000)
• Research data : Études sur les populations de simulies, l'hydrobiologie, la biologie moléculaire (ADN) et le suivi de la sensibilité aux insecticides utilisés au cours du programme (1990–2000)

This resource is essential for national programs developing verification documents, for tracking progress towards elimination and as a training tool for national programs, African entomologists, and scientific research.

This initiative allows to maintain accessible and exploitable the memory of one of the most successful public health programs in Africa, while providing researchers and health professionals with valuable access to the data collected over more than 30 years of fight against river blindness.

Importance of Data Preservation

The preservation of historical entomological data from the OCP program represents a significant scientific heritage. These datasets provide invaluable insights into vector control strategies, population dynamics of disease vectors, and the effectiveness of various intervention methods over time.

By digitizing and organizing these records, we ensure that future generations of researchers and public health professionals can build upon the knowledge gained through decades of field work and scientific investigation.