Evaluating the reach and performance of treatment campaigns in Mauritania

We recently had the opportunity to assist in evaluating the success of a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign conducted by the Mauritanian Ministry of Health.

The MDA was conducted throughout January and February to provide praziquantel tablets for children affected by schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water.

Schistosomiasis can severely impact children’s growth and cognitive development and its effects may contribute to poor school attendance and long-term health problems.

The MDA specifically targeted school-aged children, those between 5 and 14 years old, a group the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as heavily impacted by schistosomiasis. Regular treatment during childhood can decrease the intensity of infection over time, leading to a healthier population as these children grow into adults.

Funded by GiveWell, a charitable organisation committed to maximising the impact of donations, the MDA aimed to reach 75% (the threshold set by the WHO for effective MDA campaigns) of the school-age population in the target area in the south of Mauritania. Southern Mauritania, the most populous area of the country, borders Senegal, with the Senegal River forming the boundary. Here, schistosomiasis is a significant concern, as the proximity to the river basin, combined with the community’s reliance on fishing and agriculture, heightens exposure to infested water.

This is compounded by the risk of flooding which occurs in the area due to higher rainfall. Irrigation along the Senegal river has heavily impacted prevalence of schistosomiasis through increased water contact and related transmission.

We assisted the Ministry of Health (MoH) in conducting a coverage evaluation survey, a standard procedure following an MDA. This survey independently assesses the effectiveness of drug distribution by interviewing a representative sample of the targeted population and completing a questionnaire to determine if they received and took the required dose of praziquantel.