Priority knowledge gaps for schistosomiasis research and development in the World Health Organization Africa Region
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a widespread neglected tropical disease (NTD) in Africa, with more significant research and development (R&D) challenges and gaps compared to other preventive chemotherapy NTDs (PC-NTDs) like onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. In response to this challenge, some global initiatives have advocated for bridging this gap, focusing on coordinated engagement with research donors. In this opinion article we highlight key R&D priorities for combating schistosomiasis in the WHO Africa region. These include defining morbidity indicators, expanding prevention, and developing innovative diagnostics, treatments, and public health strategies like test-and-treat. We emphasize integrating efforts with broader health campaigns, assessing zoonotic transmission through One Health, and using environmental surveillance tools like xenomonitoring and eDNA. We stress the need to study climate and environmental impacts on transmission, zoonotic transmission, schistosome hybridization, and snail ecology, advancing snail control, and developing vaccines, while calling for new treatments beyond praziquantel, addressing drug resistance, and improving access for children and remote populations. Further, operational research should refine hotspot interventions, enhance water, sanitation and hygiene integration, and address socio-cultural barriers. Lastly, sustainable funding and global collaboration are vital to achieve 2030 NTD Roadmap goals.
Authors
- Nicholas Midzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5789-5277)
- Uwem Friday Ekpo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-5463)
- David Rollinson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1999-1716)
- Moses Chimbari
- Sammy M. Njenga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6309-476X)
- Pauline N. M. Mwinzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3518-2540)
- Amadou Garba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6298-8259)
- Jean T. Coulibaly (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3626-6068)
- Khadime Sylla (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3896-6997)
- Maurice R. Odiere (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7561-4873)
- Anouk Gouvras (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7857-4309)
- Humphrey D. Mazigo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5219-6234)
- Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7365-7650)
- Eugene Ruberanziza
- Elizabeth A Juma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3157-2637)
- Moussa Sacko
- Sylvian Mupoyi
Institutions
- Akwa Ibom State University (NG)
- Université de Yaoundé I (CM)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (NG)
- Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (ZW)
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (TZ)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (GH)
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KE)
- University of Kinshasa (CD)
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique (ML)
- World Health Organization (CH)
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (GH)
- Swiss Centre for Scientific Research (CI)
- Ministry of Public Health (CM)
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (CG)
- Programme National Multisectoriel de Lutte contre le sida (CD)
- Centre for Schistosomiasis & Parasitology (CM)
- Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (CI)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (ZA)
- Cheikh Anta Diop University (SN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Infectious Diseases of Poverty
- Published
- 2025-03-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-025-01285-w
- Citations
- 10
- Primary Topic
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 20.48