0000000001033220
AUTHOR
A. Maphumulo
A study of hurdles in mass treatment of schistosomiasis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Background: It has been estimated that 700 million people worldwide and 5.2 million people in South Africa are in need of annual treatment for schistosomiasis. In accordance with the current policy the Department of Health (DoH) in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, aimed to reach 75% treatment coverage in a mass treatment campaign (MTC) of schools in a schistosomiasis-endemic area.Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to explore the implementation, coverage, challenges and limitations of a DoH MTC in a middle-income country. The study was conducted by exploring nurses’ and research team records, school enrolment lists and parental consent forms.Results: Slightly more than 10 000…
The cost of a school based mass treatment of schistosomiasis in Ugu District, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa in 2012.
Introduction The Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap of the WHO set targets for potential elimination as a "public health problem" for the period 2012-2020 in multiple countries in Africa, with the aim of global elimination of schistosomiasis as a "public health problem" by 2025. Aim The purpose of the study was to estimate the cost from a provider's perspective of the Department of Health's Schistosomiasis Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal in 2012, with a view to project the costs for the entire KwaZulu Natal Province. Methods A total of 491 public schools and 16 independent schools in Ugu District, a predominantly rural district in KwaZulu-Natal with a total of…