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Social science perspectives on schistosomiasis control in Africa: past trends and future directions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2009

J. AAGAARD-HANSEN ,
J. R. MWANGA  and
B. BRUUN
J. AAGAARD-HANSEN*
Affiliation:
DBL – Centre for Health Research and Development, Faculty of Life Sciences, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
J. R. MWANGA
Affiliation:
National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
B. BRUUN
Affiliation:
DBL – Centre for Health Research and Development, Faculty of Life Sciences, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
*
*Corresponding author. Tel: +45 3533-1414. Fax: +45 3533-1433. E-mail: jah@life.ku.dk
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Summary

New ways of integrating and scaling up control of neglected tropical diseases (including schistosomiasis) are presently underway. In this context consideration of social science perspectives is essential. In this article, we review social science publications of relevance to sustained control of schistosomiasis in Africa including diagnosis and screening, treatment, supply of clean water and improved sanitation, as well as health communication. Studies of community involvement and links between schistosomiasis control programmes and broader health care systems are also explored. Directions for future social science of relevance to sustainable schistosomiasis control are outlined, including ways of ensuring equitable access to health services as well as involvement of endemic communities and local health care systems based on equal partnership.

Keywords

Africacommunity involvementcontroldiagnosishealth communicationhealth systemsschistosomiasissocial sciencetreatmentwater and sanitation
Type
SECTION 3 PROGRAMMATIC OPTIMISATION OF DRUG DELIVERY
Information
Parasitology , Volume 136 , Special Issue 13: Control of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa , November 2009 , pp. 1747 - 1758
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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