The Impact of Targeted Treatment and Mass Drug Administration Delivery Strategies on the Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosomiasis in School Aged Children in Africa: A Systematic Review

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in more than 78 countries, disproportionately affecting children due to frequent exposure to infested waters. Control measures include mass drug administration (MDA), snail control, safe water provision, and health education. This scoping review examined the impact of targeted treatment and MDA delivery strategies on prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections among school-aged children in Africa. A systematic search of Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and EBSCO Host identified 27 peer‑reviewed studies. All reported decreases in prevalence after intervention: five studies (18.5%) showed <40% reduction, 18 (66.7%) showed 40–80% reduction, and four (14.8%) showed >80% reduction. Post-treatment intensity changes varied: 24 studies reported decreases while two reported increases. Impact depended on treatment frequency, complementary interventions, and treatment uptake. Targeted treatment significantly reduces infection burden but alone is insufficient for elimination. Sustained MDA programs coupled with preventative and health promotion interventions are required to move toward elimination.

Nathan Chanhanga, Tafadzwa Mindu, John Mogaka, Moses Chimbari