Schistosomiasis Control: Leave No Age Group Behind.

Area of Science:

• Neglected tropical diseases
• Public health
• Parasitology

Background:

• Schistosomiasis control in sub-Saharan Africa primarily targets school-aged children.
• Current strategies leave preschool-aged children, adolescents, and adults under-treated and unmonitored.
• This exclusion creates significant gaps in disease control and health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for inclusive schistosomiasis control strategies.
• To advocate for the expansion of praziquantel treatment and monitoring to all age groups.
• To address health inequities exacerbated by current age-focused interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current schistosomiasis control and monitoring strategies in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Analysis of age-group specific treatment and surveillance gaps.
• Assessment of the impact of age-exclusion on disease control and health equity.

Main Results:

• Current schistosomiasis control efforts disproportionately benefit school-aged children.
• Preschool-aged children and certain adolescents/adults remain vulnerable due to limited access to treatment and monitoring.
• The omission of these groups hinders sustainable schistosomiasis elimination and perpetuates health disparities.

Conclusions:

• Expanding access to praziquantel, including pediatric formulations, is essential for younger children.
• Improving treatment coverage and integrating older age groups into monitoring are vital for comprehensive control.
• Inclusive strategies are necessary to achieve sustainable schistosomiasis control and reduce long-term health consequences.