nj8d-2026-01-31_19_43_26-file-9.pdf
nj8d-2026-01-31_19_43_26-file-9.pdf
Factors affecting the uptake of preventive chemotherapy treatment for schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis affects nearly two hundred twenty million people worldwide, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive chemotherapy treatment, through regular mass-drug administration of Praziquantel tablets remains the control measure of choice by Ministries of Health. Current guidelines recommend that seventy-five percent of school-aged children receive treatment. Many programmes, however, struggle to achieve this target. Given the risk of high reinfection rates, attaining sustained high levels of treatment coverage is essential. This study provides a comprehensive review of the barriers and facilitators operating at different levels of analysis, from the individual to the policy level, conditioning the uptake of preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa.