Abstract

In Cote d'Ivoire, an annual integrated community-based Mass Drug Administration (MDA) against Soil-Transmitted Helminthes (STH) and schistosomiasis has initiated since 2011. The treatment frequency and the target populations were selected based on disease prevalence following the WHO guidelines and the strategic plan for integrated control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2011-2015. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2018 and 2020 in the health districts of Agboville and Adzopé to assess the impact of eight years of the MDA strategy. Urine samples were examined by a filtration method to identify and quantify Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears for S. mansoni and STH. These samples were collected in schoolchildren aged 5 to 14 years enrolled in six schools in rural areas of Agboville and four schools in urban areas of Adzopé. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis decreased significantly from 17.1% in 2018 to 6.2% in 2020 (p<0.001). For STH, the overall prevalence decreased from 4.9% in 2018 to 0.4% in 2020 (p<0.001). Infestation intensity decreased significantly from 2018 to 2020 (p<0.001). After 7 to 9 years of MDA in Cote d'Ivoire, the prevalence and intensity of STH and schistosomiasis infestation were significantly reduced compared to the era pre-MDA. These data need to be compared with those from the other 111 health districts in the country to help refine the treatment recommendations on these diseases.

Key words: Mass drug administration, soil-transmitted helminthes, schistosomiasis, Cote d'Ivoire.