Why health education is necessary to fight schistosomiasis in public

ZANZIBAR: SCHISTOSOMIASIS is considered a public health problem in African countries. Implementing health education interventions offers a sustainable and cost effective solution towards eliminating schistosomiasis.

According to survey results from the China-aid project for schistosomiasis prevention and control in Zanzibar, the Kilindi community had a high rate of schistosomiasis infection, with teenagers being particularly vulnerable due to their habit of playing in water bodies.

To reduce the infection risk among adolescents in this area, the project team selected Kilindi Primary School as the health education demonstration school and initiated a series of health education activities in February 2024.

The project team aims to enhance students’ knowledge of schistosomiasis prevention, improve their awareness of protective measures, reduce high-risk behaviours, and prevent schistosomiasis infection. Chinese expert Dr. Mingzhen He, from the team of the ‘China-aid project for schistosomiasis prevention and control in Zanzibar,’ along with other staff led by Saleh Juma from the Pemba Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Programme unit, and community health volunteers, visited Kilindi Primary School monthly to organise various activities.

Prior to each activity, Dr Mingzhen and Mr Juma carefully designed engaging and interactive methods for conducting health education.

For instance, they utilised PowerPoint presentations and videos to explain schistosomiasis-related knowledge, demonstrated the hazards of schistosomiasis using a human model, showed students Bulinus snail specimens and conducted interactive question and answer sessions to enhance student participation.

At the conclusion of the activities, Dr Mingzhen distributed health education gifts such as pens, rulers, pencil cases and mosquito repellent oils with educational messages printed on them, further reinforcing the impact of the activity.

Furthermore, the Chinese experts collaborated with Pemba NTD office staff to author a book titled ‘For Our Future – Schistosomiasis Prevention,’ which focuses specifically on urogenital schistosomiasis, covering its transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Mr Juma said, “This visually appealing book, featuring numerous illustrations, is highly suitable for primary school students.” Student Ahmed Bakar expressed that the schistosomiasis health education activities were highly engaging, with each session offering a unique experience.

“The experts provided comprehensive introductions to various aspects of schistosomiasis, enabling students to deeply understand the harm caused by this disease and truly grasp the skills necessary for preventing schistosomiasis. I intend to share this knowledge with my family and friends, hoping that more people can acquire the knowledge to prevent infection,” Mr Ahmed said.

Mr Mohammed Juma, the head teacher of Kilindi Primary School in Chakechake, expressed gratitude to the project team. “We appreciate that students have systematically learned about schistosomiasis prevention and control knowledge, understanding the hazards, infection routes, clinical symptoms, treatment and prevention measures. This has laid a solid foundation for reducing the risk of schistosomiasis infection among young people,” He explained.

For his side, Mr Yuzheng Huang, the team leader of the 1st Chinese expert group, emphasised that health education is a crucial measure to help people recognise the severity of schistosomiasis and modify their behaviour to prevent the disease.

He stressed that establishing a health education demonstration school focused on schistosomiasis will assist key populations, such as students, in understanding schistosomiasis-related knowledge and changing risky behaviours.

Mr Yuzheng said that it will also facilitate the dissemination of knowledge about schistosomiasis, thereby contributing to the elimination of schistosomiasis in Pemba.

The second phase of the China-aid project for schistosomiasis control was launched in August 2023, covering the entire Pemba Island.

In the Kilindi community, integrated control measures such as whole population disease screening and treatment for positive cases, snail survey and control, health education intervention, as well as a safe water supply project, have been implemented to promote sustainable schistosomiasis prevention and control.