In the Lower Cross River basin in Nigeria, no pre-control entomologic profile of Onchocerca volvulus infection in the local Simulium damnosum population was available prior to the initiation of an ivermectin control program in 1995. A longitudinal entomologic study was therefore carried out over a 12-month period (January-December 2001) at the Agbokim waterfalls and Afi River, which are breeding sites of S. damnosum in the river basin. A total of 9,287 adult S. damnosum were caught on human bait; 9,048 (97.43%) were dissected, of which 313 (3.46%) were infected. Annual biting rates (ABRs) of 42,419 and 28,346 bites per persons per year were recorded at the Agbokim Waterfalls and Afi River, respectively. The annual transmission potential (ATP) was 419 infective larvae per person per year at the Agbokim Waterfalls and 427 at the Afi River. Monthly biting rate and monthly transmission potential varied significantly (P < 0.05) at the two sites. Transmission was highly seasonal from April to September, corresponding to the peak biting period of the vector. The high ATP and ABR values are a measure of the mesoendemicity of onchocerciasis in the river basin. There was a significant F(0).05 (1, 10) (P < 0.05) variation in the relative fly abundance from both sites. It was observed that human activities such as farming, fishing, timber cutting, and hunting are done in the early morning and late afternoon, which corresponds to the peak diurnal biting period of the vector. Changes in these practices and attitudes may markedly affect the disease intensity and transmission.

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Background: Nigeria is one of the two epicenters of malaria transmission across the globe and contributes to 40 percent global malaria burden. The LLINs distribution campaign is one of the significant and nationally acceptable strategic routes of delivering nets to the entire population across the country. Micro planning of the campaign has been completed in the state in readiness for LLINs 2019 distribution campaign. This study therefore tends to highlight the achievements of this concluded micro-planning processes in identifying all the campaigns needs and challenges while plan and proffer solutions to achieve the high quality campaign outcomes. Study design: This is a qualitative study involving the engagement of all RBM stakeholders. It entailed desk reviews, meetings, community engagements, development and adaptation of programme tools, Akubue Augustine Uchenna et al.: Quality Micro-Planning Processes -Key Strategy for Achieving High Quality LLINs Campaign: Pilot Report from Cross-River State Nigeria quantification, estimation of all the campaign needs using the WHO standardized estimates and inauguration of formed campaign work streams required for quality LLINs campaign implementations. Average volume of a bale of 0.14cubic meter, minimum volume of 120% of expected space considering the 20% handling area within the store facility and average access door space of >2.95sq meter) were used as standards for estimation. All variables were analyzed using Microsoft excel package and Health Mappers. Results: Comprehensive Advocacy, logistic and training plans that included and defined the roles and expectations of all the many stakeholders were developed. Micro plan population of 4,251,387 for 2019 with 2,361,882 LLINs, 6.613.3 m 3 and handling areas requirement of 1,322m 3 were estimated. A total of 11,864 personnel with their responsibilities were identified and trained including estimated costs of NGN387,143,880 at unit operational cost of NGN 166.34 for the delivery of 1 LLIN to the household. Advocacy kits with print materials for the campaign were pre-tested by health educator and identified programme challenges were highlighted. Conclusion: This study therefore underscores the importance of good micro-planning process for high quality LLINs campaign as recommended by WHO for the achievement of LLINs universal coverage.