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Prospects for the elimination of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis: exploring disease trends through time at the Barombi crater lakes, South-West Cameroon

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 September 2018

L. A. Tchuem Tchuenté*
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
D. R. Eloundou Ombede
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
C. Dongmo Noumedem
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
G. N. Djomkam Chuinteu
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
B. Fesuh Nono
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
A. C. Nguepkap Lemegne
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
U. Femoe Membe
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
N. Feussom Gipwe
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
C. M. Kenfack
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
S. K. Ngang
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
M. E. Ndonou Tchoumdop
Affiliation:
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
L. J. Cunningham
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
J. R. Stothard
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Louis-Albert Tchuente, E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

In Cameroon, there is a national programme engaged in the control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. In certain locations, the programme is transitioning from morbidity control towards local interruption of parasite transmission. The volcanic crater lake villages of Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto are well-known transmission foci and are excellent context-specific locations to assess appropriate disease control interventions. Most recently they have served as exemplars of expanded access to deworming medications and increased environmental surveillance. In this paper, we review infection dynamics through time, beginning with data from 1953, and comment on the short- and long-term success of disease control. We show how intensification of local control is needed to push towards elimination and that further environmental surveillance, with targeted snail control, is needed to consolidate gains in preventive chemotherapy as well as empower local communities to take ownership of interventions.

Type
Special Issue Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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