Pre-amble

H.A.A.I will venture in partnership with the MOH-Kenya department of vector bone diseases.

We met with Dr. Wickliff Peter Omondi– (Head of division of vector bone diseases).

H.A.A.I-will lead on execution of the prevention of 2 types of Schistosomiasis:

• Intestinal Schistosomiasis: Caused by S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. intercalatum.
• Urogenital Schistosomiasis: Caused primarily by S. haematobium, affecting the urinary system.

Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)- (in Kisumu) is a parasitic disease caused by blood

flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. It is classified as one of the

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), primarily affecting poor and rural

communities, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

H.A.A.I -K intends to stop the Transmission of schistosomiasis;

• The disease is transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater, where specific species of Schistosoma larvae (cercariae) are released by infected freshwater snails (the intermediate host).
• The larvae penetrate human skin and mature into adult worms within the blood vessels.

Global Impact: Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide, with the highest burden in Africa. Children are particularly vulnerable due to frequent contact with contaminated water during play or household activities.

H.A.A.I -intends to Prevention & Control schistosomiasis by:

• Preventive Chemotherapy (Mass Drug Administration): The primary drug used is Praziquantel, which kills adult worms.
• Snail Control: Reducing the population of freshwater snails with molluscicides can help interrupt the transmission cycle.
• Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Providing safe water and educating communities on the risks of contaminated water helps reduce ransmission.
• Our main activities while Partnering with the Ministry of Health (MOH) will be:
• Surveillance and Treatment: Collaboration can focus on expanding screening and treatment in endemic areas.
• Health Education: Joint campaigns to raise awareness about the risks and preventive measures.
• WASH Initiatives: Promoting clean water projects and sanitation improvements in high-risk areas.
• Integrated Vector Control: Combining schistosomiasis interventions with other vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria) for cost-effective programs.

A partnership with the Department of Vector-borne Diseases can significantly strengthen the fight against schistosomiasis, especially in regions where other NTDs are endemic.