The Carter Center conducted a study on the transition of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth treatment to the primary health system in four districts across Nigeria.
Districts in the states of Plateau, Nasarawa, Delta and Edo
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STH)
Partnering with the state and local ministries of health in Nigeria, The Carter Center conducted a mixed-methods study. Its purpose was to explore the implications of transitioning interventions for schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) to government ownership in four districts in Nigeria. Researchers evaluated stakeholder perceptions of mainstreaming within this context, piloted several transitions, and compared mass drug administration (MDA) coverage before and after these transitions. Findings include:
Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are parasitic diseases that primarily affect school-aged children. Nigeria has the highest prevalence in the world of people who need SCH treatment and the fourth-largest population of individuals who require STH treatment. Current interventions include the administration of praziquantel to children to suppress SCH and mebendazole to control STH.
Mainstreaming, which refers to transitioning the management of a health campaign from a nongovernmental organization to the national primary health care system, is a possible avenue for sustaining interventions without relying on traditional mass drug administration campaigns.
Limited data are available regarding the effects of mainstreaming on SCH and STH treatment coverage.
The findings from this study suggest that in many cases, when distribution logistics are well planned, government-led mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) suppression can be as effective as campaigns led by external partners.
Scroll down for more key findings.
Dr. Jenna Coalson walks through the results, lessons learned, methods, and implications from this project.
By sampling for MDA coverage before and after transitions, researchers found the following:
Participants’ responses regarding their views of mainstreaming SCH and STH campaigns in Nigeria revealed the following findings: