Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics
Open Access

Abstract

Schistosomiasis affects tropical and sub-tropical countries in Africa, Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia. There are 28 endemic provinces described as rural, poor and agricultural found along the southeastern part of the Philippines where there is continuous rainfall throughout the year. In 2002 and 2005 respectively, two new endemic foci were reported in the northernmost (Gonzaga, Cagayan) and central (Calatrava, Negros Occidental) parts of the country. In 2008-2009 the presence of schistosomiasis was studied in further detail using four diagnostic tests viz., Kato-Katz, circumoval precipitin test, ELISA and ultrasonography. Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi was identified through snail surveys conducted in possible snail habitats in the new endemic villages. Animal fecal surveys confirmed schistosomiasis infection in animals in Gonzaga initially and later also in Calatrava. MDA was implemented immediately in the new endemic areas which brought the prevalence down dramatically during the first year but eventually fluctuated through the years depending on the participation of the people in MDA. In 2012 to 2014, the International Development Research Center of Canada supported a project that used the EcoHealth approach in the control and elimination of schistosomiasis in Gonzaga. Six meetings of stakeholders representing the health sector, local government, education, veterinary, agriculture, irrigation sectors, the academe and research sector and community representatives proved successful in intensifying awareness and obtaining commitment for a collaborative, participatory, multisectoral and holistic way of attacking this multifaceted problem and eventually controlling and subsequently eliminating it. Successive surveys in 2013-2015 in Gonzaga and Calatrava showed progressive decline in the prevalence of the disease but elimination may need more radical measures.

Biography

Email: leonardolydia7@gmail.com