Assessment of the effectiveness of intervention strategies in the control of endemic dracunculiasis in Ebonyi state, Nigeria

Abstract

An assessment study of the effectiveness of intervention strategies in the control of endemic dracunculiasis amongst farming communities of Ezza north, Ebonyi State, Nigeria was carried out. A total of 2,226 persons were physically examined during the initial study prior to the application of intervention measures. A total of 426 (19.1%) subjects had either Dracunculus ulcers or emergent worms. About 18.5% and 20.2% males and females were infected respectively. Infection varied among communities with Iyere (47.9%) and Ekka (43.9%) being significantly higher than others (P<0.05). Age specific prevalence rates increased gradually with age peaking in the 5-14 years age group before decreasing with increasing age. Twenty-four months after the introduction of intervention strategies, the prevalence rate fell by 85.9% to 2.7% (females: by 88% to 2.3%, males: 84.2% to 2.9%). Reduction rates of more than 90% was observed in males of Umuoghara and Amuda while Ekka, Amuda and Amawula communities had reduction rates over 95% in females. Intervention measures included active case detection, containment, management, prompt reporting, systematic pond treatment, distribution/replacement of filters, intensive health education, provision of hand-dug wells, regular bore-hole installation/rehabilitation and weekly/monthly meetings with village heads/ opinion leaders. Active involvement of the endemic communities and government are necessary for final eradication of the disease.

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 1(2) 2005: 105-112