Evaluation of Control Strategies and Current Status of Schistosomiasis in Some Endemic Areas of Nasarawa State: A Community-Based Survey Using Advanced Diagnostic Methods

Schistosomiasis remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria, requiring updated assessments of control strategies to guide future interventions. Despite a decade of control efforts, Schistosomiasis remains endemic in Nasarawa, with varying prevalence across LGAs. Urgent improvements in funding and integrated strategies are recommended. Nasarawa state control programs targeting children have been implemented since the 1990s. A school-based survey by the Carter Centre in 2013 identified high prevalence in several Local Government Areas (LGAs), leading to five years of Mass Drug Administration (MDA). By 2018, follow-up surveys showed a modest decline in prevalence from 12.9% to 9.0%. However, control efforts have not achieved substantial success. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a community-based survey to assess the effectiveness of current control strategies and the schistosomiasis burden in Nasarawa State. Samples were collected from 900 participants (52.4% male, 47.6% female) across three LGAs. Diagnostic methods included dipstick haematuria tests, urine filtration, Kato-Katz techniques, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for species-specific DNA detection. Overall prevalence was 11.3%, with Nasarawa LGA recording the highest prevalence (14%), followed by Doma (13%), and Akwanga showing the lowest (7.7%). Schistosoma haematobium was the predominant species (9.3%), compared to Schistosoma mansoni (2%). The study highlights a moderate prevalence of Schistosomiasis, particularly S. haematobium, despite existing control programs reducing infection burden. Limitations in the current methods were identified, including insufficient coverage and focus on school-aged children. The study recommends expanding surveillance to include other high-risk groups, integrating control strategies, and increasing funding from federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to achieve more effective control.