By: Binta Jaiteh
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Program of the Ministry of Health will embark on mass drug administration against Schistomiasis.Schistosomiasis is a deliberating parasitic disease particularly affecting children and those involved in occupations with high exposure to infested water.
Speaking in a press briefing, the Coordinator of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Amadou WouryBah, stated that ensuring that our youngest citizens are protected from early infection is critical for their growth and development.
He explained that administering the treatment at anearly stage prevents the onset of chronic conditions associated with schistosomiasis.
According to him, school-aged children between five and 14 years are particularly vulnerable due to their frequent interactions with potentially contaminated water sources in schools.
Mr. Bah pointed out that this campaign is not just a health intervention but also a commitment to the future well-being of “our nation as it reflects our resolve to protect our children”.
Program Manager of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Balla Jatta, noted that the Ministry will embark on a significant health initiative to combat schistosomiasis across our nation.
“We will conduct a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign across 27 districts, targeting Pre-School-Aged Children (2 years to 4 years and 11 months), School-Aged Children (5 to 14 years), and At-Risk Adults. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem in line with the Global NTD Roadmap 2021-2030,” said Jatta.
World Health Organization (WHO) representative Dr. Ifeanyi Udenweze noted that the overarching goal of this MDA is to reduce the prevalence of Schistosomiasis and move towards its elimination as a public health problem in line with the Global NTDRoadmap 2021-2030.
According to him, WHO has played a pivotal role in facilitating this campaign, adding that the global body received generous support from the Merck PraziquantelDonation Programme, which provided the necessary medications.
“This donation is facilitated through the Expanded Special Programme for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) at WHO AFRO and the WHO Country Office. Furthermore, WHO has also provided critical funding to ensure the successful execution of this MDA,” he explained. The campaign targets 600,000 individuals across 27 districts.