African schistosomiasis

Abstract

Thirty years after the eradication of schistosomiasis japonica from Japan, schistosomiasis still remains a huge burden for people living in rural Africa. Since humans are practically speaking the main host of African schistosomiasis and most victims are school-age children, the current approach to control the disease focuses on providing treatment for children. However, other approaches such as hygiene, clean water and sanitation should also be included to prevent transmission. These approaches were some of the methods Japan implemented for success in eradication of the disease.