Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of significant public health importance in sub-Saharan Africa, ranking second in terms of years lived with disability. Despite numerous epidemiological studies conducted in Kenya, a comprehensive overview of the disease status nationally is lacking. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing knowledge on the epidemiology and geographical distribution of human schistosomiasis in Kenya. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CAB Direct, and grey literature sources for records published between January 2000 and December 2020. Studies reporting prevalence data on human schistosomiasis conducted in Kenya were included. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Prevalence data were extracted and mapped using QGIS version 3.16.8. Of 1,343 initially retrieved records, 99 met inclusion criteria. Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium were the only species reported, with infections occurring across all age groups including preschool children, schoolaged children, and adults. S. mansoni was predominantly distributed in Western Kenya around Lake Victoria, while S. haematobium was concentrated along the Kenyan Coast. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed emergence of new transmission foci, with prevalence declining in some counties, increasing in others, and remaining stable in several areas. Hotspot counties included Homabay, Kirinyaga, Busia, Tana River, and Siaya. Key drivers of infection included geographical location, environmental factors, intermediate snail host distribution, human water contact patterns, and untreated atrisk populations. Schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge in Kenya. These findings highlight the need for expanded preventive chemotherapy to all atrisk populations, integrated with complementary interventions including health education, focal mollusciciding, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
BT - Journal of Empirical and Non-Empirical Research DA - 09/2026 IS - 9 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of significant public health importance in sub-Saharan Africa, ranking second in terms of years lived with disability. Despite numerous epidemiological studies conducted in Kenya, a comprehensive overview of the disease status nationally is lacking. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing knowledge on the epidemiology and geographical distribution of human schistosomiasis in Kenya. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CAB Direct, and grey literature sources for records published between January 2000 and December 2020. Studies reporting prevalence data on human schistosomiasis conducted in Kenya were included. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Prevalence data were extracted and mapped using QGIS version 3.16.8. Of 1,343 initially retrieved records, 99 met inclusion criteria. Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium were the only species reported, with infections occurring across all age groups including preschool children, schoolaged children, and adults. S. mansoni was predominantly distributed in Western Kenya around Lake Victoria, while S. haematobium was concentrated along the Kenyan Coast. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed emergence of new transmission foci, with prevalence declining in some counties, increasing in others, and remaining stable in several areas. Hotspot counties included Homabay, Kirinyaga, Busia, Tana River, and Siaya. Key drivers of infection included geographical location, environmental factors, intermediate snail host distribution, human water contact patterns, and untreated atrisk populations. Schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge in Kenya. These findings highlight the need for expanded preventive chemotherapy to all atrisk populations, integrated with complementary interventions including health education, focal mollusciciding, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
PY - 2026 SP - 38 EP - 46 T2 - Journal of Empirical and Non-Empirical Research TI - Epidemiology and Geographical Distribution of Human Schistosomiasis in Kenya: A Systematic Review UR - https://jenerjournalarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/epidemiology-and-geographical-distribution-of-human-schistosomiasis-in-kenya-a-systematic-review.pdf VL - 2 ER -