Epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Madagascar after thirty years of control program (1994-2024)

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Published Jun 1, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i6.5272
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Vol. 103 No. 6 (2025): Tunis Med June 2025

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Charles Emile Ramarokoto
K'Olo Vanona Association
Bodo Sahondra Randrianasolo
K'Olo Vanona Association

Abstract

Introduction: Since the 60s, control programs initiated have not led to the expected results. Around the 90s, a new orientation was taken.


Aim: This study evaluates prevalence and epidemiology’s patterns of schistosomiasis following this reorientation.


Method: To find publications about schistosomiasis in Madagascar. The database consulted is Pubmed and Scopus. The search date is between 15th April 2024 to 15th June 2024 including publications between 1st January 1994 to 15th June 2024. Prevalence is represented as a proportion. Data are collected in Microsoft Excel® version 16 and analyzed with Epi Info™ version 7.2.5.0. A p-value < 0.05 is considered significant.


Results: This review includes 49 articles. The majority (51%) concern intestinal schistosomiasis. A total of 32,647 patients provided 55,690 samples, of which more than 75% were used for the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis. The prevalence, regardless of the method of diagnosis, for intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis is 49.3% [28.7% - 72%, 95% CI] and 40.2% [14.7%-57% CI 95%] respectively.


Nearly half of the patients (47.4%) are school-age children and live in rural areas (45.6%).


Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the impacts of control measures after 30 years of implementation. Interventions must target the population of villages in hard-to-reach areas.

Keywords:

Schistosomiasis, prevalence, epidemiology, MADAGASCAR

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