Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) in Madagascar: A Case Study of a Neglected Tropical Disease

Over 50% of Madagascar’s population is infected with intestinal or urinary schistosomiasis (Rollinson et al., 2012). The disease slowly debilitates infected persons, who are frequently children, resulting in lower productivity and reduced learning in school-age children. The disease involves a vicious cycle perpetuated by a number of environmental, psychological, and social factors. A multifaceted approach, involving mass treatment, biological control, environmental control, education, and disease surveillance, can lead to schistosomiasis control and elimination in Madagascar. This would yield many socio-economic benefits such as increased productivity, increased school attendance rates, and generally better welfare. Schistosomiasis is the most burdensome and deadly neglected tropical disease (CDC, 2011). Furthermore, it is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease in the world (The Carter Center, 2012). Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Madagascar and many other countries. It is treatable, curable, and preventable, and a multifaceted approach can stop the harmful impact it is having on communities