A school-based schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis control programme in Nigeria: acceptability to community members

In a population with high prevalences in schoolchildren of infection with hookworm (32.4%), Ascaris (22.9%) and Trichuris (2.5%), visible haematuria (17.9%), micro-haematuria (17%) and proteinuria (47.3%), the knowledge about transmission of schistosomiasis and acceptability of a school-based control programme were assessed. The community perceived schistosomiasis (80.6%) and intestinal helminthiasis (66.5%) as important health problems in school-age children and most people would prefer placement of the control programme in school because it would eliminate transportation cost to the health facility. They welcomed the idea of using teachers for detection of infection and drug administration. The health staff, on the other hand, were willing to work with teachers, but emphasized that teachers should be limited to organizational and supervisory roles while they do tests and administer the drug. This view was also shared by the officials in the state ministries of health and education.