Schistosomiasis Control: Leave No Age Group Behind
Christina L. Faust, Derick Nii Mensah Osakunor, Jennifer A. Downs, Sekeleghe A. Kayuni, J. Russell Stothard, Poppy H. L. Lamberton, Jutta Reinhard-Rupp, David Rollinson
Abstract
Despite accelerating progress towards schistosomiasis control in sub-Saharan Africa, several age groups have been eclipsed by current treatment and monitoring strategies that mainly focus on school-aged children. As schistosomiasis poses a threat to people of all ages, unfortunate gaps exist in current treatment coverage and associated monitoring efforts, preventing subsequent health benefits to preschool-aged children as well as certain adolescents and adults. Expanding access to younger ages through the forthcoming pediatric praziquantel formulation and improving treatment coverage in older ages is essential. This should occur alongside formal inclusion of these groups in large-scale monitoring and evaluation activities. Current omission of these age groups from treatment and monitoring exacerbates health inequities and has long-term consequences for sustainable schistosomiasis control.