SchistoBreak

SchistoBreak is designed as an intervention study, documented through repeated cross-sectional surveys. The primary endpoint is the sensitivity of a surveillance-response approach to detect and react to outbreaks of urogenital schistosomiasis over three years of implementation (2021-2024). The surveys and multi-disciplinary interventions were implemented in 20 communities in the north of Pemba island. In low-prevalence areas, surveillance-response consisted of active, passive and reactive case detection, treatment of positive individuals, and focal snail control. In hotspot areas, mass drug administration, snail control and behaviour change interventions were implemented. Parasitological cross-sectional surveys in 20 communities and their main primary schools served to adapt the intervention approach annually and to monitor the performance of the surveillance-response approach and impact of interventions. Schistosoma haematobium infections were diagnosed using reagent strips and urine filtration microscopy, and by exploring novel point-of-care diagnostic approaches.