The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, has launched a new treatment regimen for schistosomiasis targeting children under the age of five.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in the ongoing battle against schistosomiasis, aiming to address reinfection issues among school-age children by including younger children and adults in the treatment coverage.
The newly developed regimen, known as ‘Pediatric Praziquantel’, was created in partnership with Merck, Lygature, Unlimit Health, EDCTP, GHIT, and Astellas. This collaborative effort is set to enhance the effectiveness of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) strategy by ensuring comprehensive community coverage, which is crucial for the control and eventual elimination of schistosomiasis.
During a meeting titled “Excellence in Research & Development: Shaping a Healthier Future for All” held on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77), Dr. Sultani Matendechero, Deputy Director General for Health at the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, highlighted the initiative’s primary objective. “Our goal is to improve access to medicine for vulnerable and neglected populations, ensuring that the fight against schistosomiasis includes all age groups within the community,” Dr. Matendechero stated.
This initiative builds on the notable strides made in combating schistosomiasis through the mass treatment of school-age children but aims to mitigate the reinfection risk posed by untreated pre-school-age children and adults.
