Mass Drug Administration for Preventive Chemotherapy and Transmission Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases – A Review

Mass drug administration (MDA), also known as preventive chemotherapy (PCT), has become a major strategy for controlling and eliminating several Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This literature review evaluates the effectiveness of MDA programmes, the challenges affecting implementation, and future strategies for improving outcomes. In endemic countries, repeated rounds of MDA have significantly reduced the prevalence and intensity of several NTDs. Community-based and school-based drug distribution approaches have contributed to improved treatment coverage and compliance, especially when combined with complementary interventions such as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), vector control, snail control, and health education. Community engagement and participation are important factors influencing programme success. However, hard-to-reach populations, internally displaced persons, and residents of conflict-affected or peri-urban areas, are frequently excluded from treatment campaigns. Additional challenges include poor community awareness, misconceptions about drug safety, lack of parental consent, inadequate communication, unreliable demographic data, volunteer fatigue, delayed reporting, and insufficient incentives for community drug distributors. These challenges contribute to low treatment coverage, poor compliance, and continued disease transmission in endemic communities. To enhance MDA effectiveness, there is a need for stronger community ownership, culturally appropriate health education, improved training and motivation of community drug distributors, and adaptive delivery strategies tailored to local contexts. Integration of MDA with One Health approaches, WASH interventions, vector control, and improved health systems is essential for sustainable disease control. Future programmes should also incorporate digital technologies, electronic reporting systems, geospatial mapping, and improved diagnostic tools to strengthen surveillance and monitoring.