I recently concluded my course work and hit a massive brick wall with my research. My focus is on a Neglected Tropical Disease called schistosomiasis in Chad. WHO classifies the prevalence of schistosomiasis based on the proportion of the population infected in endemic areas. The categorization helps guide control and elimination efforts. Its prevalence is measured by the proportion of school-aged children or other population groups who test positive for the parasite.
Here’s the WHO categorization of schistosomiasis prevalence thresholds:
Low Risk
- Threshold: Prevalence of infection is less than 10% of school-aged children (SAC)
- Implications:
- Schistosomiasis may still be endemic, but transmission is limited.
- Regular surveillance and treatment may be needed, but control efforts could be focused on localized interventions.
2. Moderate Risk
- Threshold: Prevalence of infection is >=10% and 50% amongst SAC
- Implications:
- More extensive control measures are needed.
- Yearly Mass drug administration (MDA) programs are required especially for school-aged children in endemic areas, to reduce the burden of disease.
3. High Risk
- Threshold: Prevalence of infection is >= 50% amongst SAC
- Implications:
- Schistosomiasis is highly endemic, with a significant public health burden.
- Yearly Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel and integration with other water, sanitation, and health interventions (e.g., improved hygiene and safe water access) is necessary to reduce transmission.
I supported the Ministry of Health to conduct parasitological surveys in 2022, to assess the impact of mass drug administration with praziquantel (drug of choice). We gathered data from 25 health districts across 5 provinces and the results revealed variable outcomes. I categorized the health districts into three broad categories: 1. High achieving districts or implementation units (IUs): Those that moved from high risk to low risk 2. Moderate achieving IUs: Those that had an observable decline in prevalence but stayed within the same risk category.3. Low achieving IUs: Those that moved from low risk to moderate or high risk. I have access to the raw data of the survey and was recommended to use demographic health survey (DHS) data for Chad, to further analyse socio-demographic variables. A draft powerpoint slide is available to provide some useful background information.Kindly note that I’m a parasitologist by training working in the Global Health space, specifically in the area of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Data analysis is not my strength. I have very basic SPSS knowledge, the reason why I’m reaching out for support/guidance. I understand you’re a very busy person but was wondering if you could squeeze time from your busy schedule to assist me. Looking forward to hearing from you.Best regards,Cosmas.