Spatio-temporal dynamics of schistosomiasis in Rwanda between 2001 and 2012: Impact of the national neglected tropical disease control programme

Elias Nyandwi*, Tom Veldkamp, Frank Badu Osei, Sherif Amer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
117 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is recognised as a major public health problem in Rwanda. We aimed to identify the spatio-temporal dynamics of its distribution at a fine-scale spatial resolution and to explore the impact of control programme interventions. Incidence data of Schistosoma mansoni infection at 367 health facilities were obtained for the period 2001-2012. Disease cluster analyses were conducted using spatial scan statistics and geographic information systems. The impact of control interventions was assessed for three distinct sub-periods. Findings demonstrated persisting, emerging and re-emerging clusters of schistosomiasis infection across space and time. The control programme initially caused an abrupt increase in incidence rates during its implementation phase. However, this was followed by declining and disappearing clusters when the programme was fully in place. The findings presented should contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of schistosomiasis distribution to be used when implementing future control activities, including prevention and elimination efforts.

Original languageEnglish
Article number514
JournalGeospatial health
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Health facility service area
  • Rwanda
  • Schistosoma mansoni
  • Schistosomiasis
  • Spatiotemporal
  • ITC-ISI-JOURNAL-ARTICLE
  • ITC-GOLD

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Spatio-temporal dynamics of schistosomiasis in Rwanda between 2001 and 2012: Impact of the national neglected tropical disease control programme'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this