Schistosomiasis in Nigeria : gleaning from the past to improve current efforts towards control.

Abstract

The effort to control schistosomiasis in Nigeria has been scaled up the past few years. Schistosomiasis affects all age groups, however, school children are at the highest risk of the disease. In the past years, global partners in schistosomiasis control have renewed their commitments. Many countries including few in Africa are working towards eliminating the disease. In Nigeria, the transmission of schistosomiasis is still active. This poses a serious health challenge as morbidity builds up in infected individuals. Mass drug administration (MDA) has helped to reduce morbidity but it is not adequate to abate transmission in many areas of the country. The integration of other aspects of control will provide a more sustainable result. This review attempted to discuss schistosomiasis transmission patterns in Nigeria in different eras. We identified some pitfalls in efforts towards the control of schistosomiasis in Nigeria. We recommended research priority in areas of neglect and advocated for integrated control.