Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on schistosomiasis control in an endemic region of the Northeastern Brazil, 2020-2021

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the fight against neglected diseases worldwide, including schistosomiasis. In the Brazilian context, schistosomiasis is an endemic disease with an impact mainly in the Northeastern region. Here, this study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiological indicators of the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) in an endemic area in the Northeast Brazil in 2020 and 2021. Methods: This is a population-based ecological study conducted in the State of Pernambuco, based on data from the PCE. Data was extracted from the Schistosomiasis Control Program Information System (SISPCE). The following indicators were analyzed: population reached, number of tests performed, positivity rate, and percentage of people treated. Percentage change was used to compare the observed value to the expected value, according to the pre-pandemic period (2015-2019). Results: There was a decrease in the population reached (71.3% in 2020 and 64.1% in 2021). The tests performed decreased from 73.8% in 2020 to 66.5% in 2021. The State positivity rate for schistosomiasis decreased by 32.8% in 2020 and 6.4% in 2021. The rate of treated individuals increased by 5.8% in 2020 and decreased by 25.1% in 2021. Conclusion: The schistosomiasis control program in Pernambuco was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as observed in the variations of the variables analyzed. It is recommended that this program be strengthened to ensure active investigation, epidemiological surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis in the study area.