Diapaga:The Diapaga health district recently organized an information workshop in Diapaga to prepare for an upcoming mass treatment campaign against schistosomiasis. The workshop, held on October 23, 2026, gathered administrative, religious, and traditional authorities, alongside health workers from the Tapoa region, to ensure the campaign's success.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event was led by the regional health directorate of Tapoa, Gourma, and Sirba, with support from the National Program for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (PN-MTN). The workshop's primary aim was to equip health actors and partners with the necessary skills to interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease still prevalent in the area.
The organizers emphasized the importance of a consistent transfer of skills to all stakeholders involved in the campaign. The workshop also sought to advocate for widespread participation among authorities and key stakeholders. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that schistosomiasis remains endemic in 78 countries, with a significant burden in Africa, affecting at least 251 million people, 90 percent of whom reside on the continent.
In response to this public health challenge, Burkina Faso has embraced WHO-recommended strategies, including intensive care and preventive chemotherapy. These strategies involve mass treatment campaigns where praziquantel is administered free of charge, especially targeting school-aged children.
Wend Kuuni Abdoul Aziz Badini, chief medical officer of the Diapaga health district, stressed that the success of the Transcutaneous Medical Device (TDM) depends on the procedural proficiency of field personnel. The one-day training session focused on schistosomiasis transmission, health consequences, praziquantel dosage, management of minor side effects, and effective communication techniques.
Dr. Badini highlighted the crucial nature of the workshop, stating, "This workshop is crucial because if those involved don't understand the procedure, the campaign will be flawed. We want everyone involved to know what to do so that every child receives their dose."
Participants committed to spreading the training at the primary healthcare center level and within villages and communities. Administrative, traditional, and religious representatives also vowed to contribute to the social mobilization efforts.
The schistosomiasis mass treatment campaign is scheduled to occur from October 26 to 31, 2026, targeting children aged five to fourteen.