‘IRREGULAR CDD’ AND ‘MOSAIC PATTERN OF WASH’ ACTIVITIES TOWARDS ‘STH’ CONTROL:

Persistence of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, usually due to Ascaris lumbricoides, in endemic communities has been attributed to gaps in intervention coverage and compliance, especially in rural communities. This study therefore evaluated ‘Community Directed Distributors’ (CDDs) activities and assessed ‘Water, Sanitation and Hygiene’ (WASH) indicators in Aguleri, Anambra-East LGA, Anambra state, Nigeria. The study was community based, with Cross- sectional design; a semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaires were used (as checklist and as in-depth interview (IDI) guide) for data collection. Mass Drug Administration by CDDs, reported to be less often (60.0%), had mostly Mebendazole given (55.0 %). Last distribution by CDDs was in September 2024, with Albendazole supplied by the state government to all Primary Health Centers. ‘Unavailability of anthelminthic drugs from the government’ and ‘limited drug supply by philanthropists’ were reported as a hindrance to continued and wider coverage distribution. Mosaic patterns of WASH conditions were observed for all the variables investigated: drinking water source, type of toilet use, hand washing facility and soap for hand wash. These research findings revealed non-uniform gaps in intervention coverage and compliance towards STH control. Strengthened community-based control measures are highly recommended in the study area.