African trypanosomiasis and S. intercalatum infection in Equatorial Guinea: comparative epidemiology and feasibility...

The integration of schistosomiasis control with the activities of different endemic disease control or health programmes has been endorsed by a WHO Expert Committee on the Control of Schistosomiasis (WHO 1985). Endemic countries face increasing economic and manpower constraints which limit the coverage and effectiveness of control activities. Integration would be expected to optimize available resources for control. The feasibility of integration can be assessed by a comparative evaluation of: the epidemiology and distribution of the health problems; the techniques and methodology of control; and the requirements for maintenance and their relative health importance. This report presents a preliminary assessment of trypanosomiasis and schistosomiasis in Equatorial Guinea. The background and implementation of the operational national trypanosomiasis control programme are summarized. Population-based epidemiological investigations undertaken by the staff of the trypanosomiasis control programme are reported from a rural village and an urban suburb of Bata, Equatorial Guinea. The distribution and morbidity of S. intercalatum are compared, the public health importance of S. intercalatum is reviewed and the feasibility of integration of control of trypanosomiasis and schistosomiasis are assessed.