Epidemiological Trends and Progress in Schistosomiasis Elimination in Saudi Arabia (2021-2023): Implications for...

Schistosomiasis, a frequently overlooked parasitic disease, affects individuals worldwide. A comprehensive population-based observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis among both Saudi and non-Saudi residents. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the incidence of this parasitic infection within the population. Data on schistosomiasis incidence were collected by the Ministry of Health from January 2021 to December 2023. The chi-square test was employed to analyze the data and determine the incidence rates of schistosomiasis by type, gender, and nationality. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 115 cases of schistosomiasis were reported. Among these, 61.7% were classified as intestinal schistosomiasis, 34.8% as urinary schistosomiasis, and 3.5% as mixed schistosomiasis. The findings revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the prevalence rates of the different forms of schistosomiasis. Notably, 79.8% of the cases were observed in men, while women accounted for 20.2% of the cases. Furthermore, a majority of the reported cases (72%) were found among non-Saudi individuals. This study offers important insights into the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Saudi Arabia. These findings underscore the effectiveness of public health interventions implemented in the country and provide a strategic framework for the global elimination of schistosomiasis.