Health ministry set for disease mapping survey
Enhancing targeted interventions
The success of the initiative relies heavily on community participation.
Namibia's health ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has announced a new comprehensive disease mapping survey from 1 July to 2 August to address critical health concerns in northern Namibia.
The initiative will focus on the endemicity of T. solium taeniasis and the prevalence of schistosomiasis (SCH), scabies, and reports of Guinea worm disease (GWD) in selected regions such as Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Kavango West.
According to a statement by the ministry, the survey aims to better understand the burden of these diseases to enhance targeted intervention efforts.
Community-based survey
“Taeniasis, caused by the Taenia solium tapeworm, is a zoonotic disease included in the World Health Organisation's (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases. The life cycle of this parasite involves humans and pigs, with human cysticercosis resulting in severe health effects. This initiative will focus primarily on T. solium taeniasis due to its significant impact on human health,” the ministry stated.
“In addition to taeniasis, the mapping will assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by mites. The survey will also investigate reports of Guinea worm disease, which, although not endemic in Namibia, poses a risk due to frequent cross-border movements with Angola,” it added.
Data collection
A community-based cross-sectional survey will be conducted in five northern regions known for schistosomiasis endemicity.
“Data collection teams will visit randomly selected villages exhibiting two key risk factors. The teams will gather household and individual-level data, including demographic information, physical observations of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, taeniasis risk factor assessments, clinical examinations for scabies, Guinea worm case search questions, and stool and urine samples for taeniasis and schistosomiasis testing."
Each survey team will consist of two registered or enroled nurses and a community health worker. They will be supported by field vehicles and drivers to ensure efficient and thorough data collection.
The ministry added that the success of this initiative relies heavily on community participation. In the selected households, the survey teams will explain the purpose and procedures of the survey to the head of the household.
Consent will be obtained directly from adult participants, and for children aged 12–17, permission will be obtained alongside parental or guardian consent.
[email protected]
The initiative will focus on the endemicity of T. solium taeniasis and the prevalence of schistosomiasis (SCH), scabies, and reports of Guinea worm disease (GWD) in selected regions such as Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Kavango West.
According to a statement by the ministry, the survey aims to better understand the burden of these diseases to enhance targeted intervention efforts.
Community-based survey
“Taeniasis, caused by the Taenia solium tapeworm, is a zoonotic disease included in the World Health Organisation's (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases. The life cycle of this parasite involves humans and pigs, with human cysticercosis resulting in severe health effects. This initiative will focus primarily on T. solium taeniasis due to its significant impact on human health,” the ministry stated.
“In addition to taeniasis, the mapping will assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by mites. The survey will also investigate reports of Guinea worm disease, which, although not endemic in Namibia, poses a risk due to frequent cross-border movements with Angola,” it added.
Data collection
A community-based cross-sectional survey will be conducted in five northern regions known for schistosomiasis endemicity.
“Data collection teams will visit randomly selected villages exhibiting two key risk factors. The teams will gather household and individual-level data, including demographic information, physical observations of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, taeniasis risk factor assessments, clinical examinations for scabies, Guinea worm case search questions, and stool and urine samples for taeniasis and schistosomiasis testing."
Each survey team will consist of two registered or enroled nurses and a community health worker. They will be supported by field vehicles and drivers to ensure efficient and thorough data collection.
The ministry added that the success of this initiative relies heavily on community participation. In the selected households, the survey teams will explain the purpose and procedures of the survey to the head of the household.
Consent will be obtained directly from adult participants, and for children aged 12–17, permission will be obtained alongside parental or guardian consent.
[email protected]
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