Ariane Guth (Hamburg / DE), Diavolana Koecher Andrianarimanana (Mahajanga / MG), Mandranto Rasamoelina (Antananarivo / MG), Viola Pavoncello (Hamburg / DE), Pia Rausche (Hamburg / DE), Cheick Doumbia (Hamburg / DE), Aaron Remkes (Hamburg / DE), Alexina Zafinimampera (Mahajanga / MG), Olivette Totofotsy (Mahajanga / MG), Solotiana Rivo Rakotomalala (Mahajanga / MG), Prof. Jürgen May (Hamburg / DE), Dr Valentina Marchese (Hamburg / DE), prof Rivo Andry Rakotoarivelo (Fianarantsoa / MG), Dr. Daniela Fusco (Hamburg / DE)
Abstract text
Background: Under 5 years old children are a vulnerable population burdened with several diseases. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease endemic in many low- and middle-income country (LMIC) and especially in Africa affects mostly children. Recent studies are showing high prevalence of schistosomiasis among young children of pre-scholar age. Mass drug administration, the most used strategy to prevent and control the disease, is addressed to school-aged children hence systematically excluding preschool-age children (PSAC). To close this treatment gap a new paediatric drug formulation has been carried out by the pediatric praziquantel consortium and is actually going into an European Medicines Agency"s application.
The objective of our study is to assess the feasibility of PSAC treatment for schistosomiasis in a highly endemic area.
Method: This cross-sectional study is implemented in the regions of Boeny and Haute Matsiatra of Madagascar. A Praziquantel treatment will be proposed to the caregivers of 5000 children aged from 9 to 24 months. Acceptance, refusal and tolerability will be assessed. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected from caregivers and health care workers to assess acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Statistical analysis will be performed by means of MAXQDA and R.
Results: A total of ten different sites have been selected to perform our study. The beginning of the treatment is planned for February 2023 for a total duration of five months. The investigation tool has been finalised and tested for use in the area of the study.
Conclusion: Our study will provide essential information to facilitate the introduction of the paediatric praziquantel in Madagascar after its marketing. We hope to decrease the phase between marketing and in country implementation of the drug in order to contribute to the 2030 NTD road map which targets the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.