Effectiveness of different approaches to mass delivery of praziquantel among school-aged children in rural communities in Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is hyperendemic in Nigeria. The national policy on schistosomiasis control has adopted praziquantel as the main drug of use in the control strategy aimed at reducing morbidity. However, the best delivery channel for praziquantel in schistosomiasis control in Nigeria is yet to be determined. This study assessed different channels for praziquantel delivery in a mass treatment effort. Three groups, each of two communities, were assigned to one of the following three channels: health facility (HF), school, and community for mass delivery of praziquantel to school-aged children. Distributors were trained on all aspects of praziquantel distribution and sufficient praziquantel tablets were provided for the drug distribution within 3 weeks following which an evaluation of the drug distribution by the different treatment channels was conducted. Overall, the community channel of delivery achieved the best coverage of 72.2% (range: 69-73%) compared to 44.3% (range: 39.5-62%) and 28.5% (range: 26.3-74.5%) for the HF and school channels, respectively. Community channel of praziquantel delivery as shown in this study ensures good coverage of both in and out-of-school children. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.