Case Scenario 04

Engaging stakeholders: creating networks to combat cysticercosis

Engaging stakeholders at all levels is essential for the success of any control programme. Because effective zoonoses control cuts across the conventional discipline boundaries and government service structures, bringing together all stakeholders to discuss how to tackle a disease problem is even more important, as dialogue between different groups is unlikely to happen otherwise. The engagement process involves formal and informal contacts with a variety of groups which include individuals, organizations, communities, industry, agencies, etc. This enhances cooperation, increases communication, improves decision-making, maximises the effectiveness of each participant’s resources and eliminates redundancy.

By 2001, a group of scientists carrying out research on livestock helminths in Eastern and Southern Africa had firm evidence that there was a marked increase in the prevalence of Taenia solium cysticercosis and in its impact on the nutritional and economic well-being of smallholder farmers and rural communities. Recognizing this problem, the scientists formed the Cysticercosis Working Group in Eastern and Southern Africa (CWGESA) in order to facilitate increased awareness of the problem and help promote a coordinated regional approach for research and control of T. solium, while making more effective and efficient use of resources (Boa et al., 2003). The working group now includes representatives from 11 endemic countries; its general assembly has met three times and its technical advisory group twice. At the last general assembly meeting, in November 2004, some 50 scientists and individuals actively involved in cysticercosis control attended.

The success story of the CWGESA is anchored in the involvement of stakeholders at local, regional and international levels in forming its structures and formulating a regional action plan for combating T. solium cysticercosis/taeniasis in the Eastern and Southern African region. This approach can be used as a model for the creation of similar networks/working groups in other regions. The implementation process of the regional action programme is structured to involve close collaboration among all stakeholders. The formation of regional networks/working groups could form the basis for establishing a global programme for combating cysticercosis through the International Cysticercosis Coordination Centre.