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Publication
Evaluation of mass drug administration for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children in Bankass, Mali
Abstract
Background
Mali has implemented mass drug administration (MDA) since 2004 aimed to control schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. Despite several round of MDA, the health district of Bankass reported low coverage (64.8%) for praziquantel and albendazole in 2017 meaning this district is still facing challenges to accomplish the targeted 75% coverage. We aimed to explore the barriers and gaps that hinder the MDA implementation in Bankass.
Methods
We did a cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administrated to all school-aged children in randomly selected villages. Technical directors of community health centers and community drug distributors in the selected villages were included in the interviews.
Results
We interviewed 2128 children and 52 health workers. Coverage rates were 93.51% (1990/2128) for praziquantel and 95.25% (2027/2128) for albendazole. Among the untreated children, 31.63% (31/98) reported not being aware of the campaign and 26.53% (26/98) were unable to reach the distribution points. Most of the health workers suggested to increase incentives.
Conclusion
Our data shows satisfactory coverage above 90% in contrast with lower rates initially reported by the district health information system. These results raise concerns about the reliability of programmatic data and highlight the importance population-based surveys for the evaluation of control interventions.
Mali has implemented mass drug administration (MDA) since 2004 aimed to control schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. Despite several round of MDA, the health district of Bankass reported low coverage (64.8%) for praziquantel and albendazole in 2017 meaning this district is still facing challenges to accomplish the targeted 75% coverage. We aimed to explore the barriers and gaps that hinder the MDA implementation in Bankass.
Methods
We did a cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administrated to all school-aged children in randomly selected villages. Technical directors of community health centers and community drug distributors in the selected villages were included in the interviews.
Results
We interviewed 2128 children and 52 health workers. Coverage rates were 93.51% (1990/2128) for praziquantel and 95.25% (2027/2128) for albendazole. Among the untreated children, 31.63% (31/98) reported not being aware of the campaign and 26.53% (26/98) were unable to reach the distribution points. Most of the health workers suggested to increase incentives.
Conclusion
Our data shows satisfactory coverage above 90% in contrast with lower rates initially reported by the district health information system. These results raise concerns about the reliability of programmatic data and highlight the importance population-based surveys for the evaluation of control interventions.
More information
Type
Journal Article