By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, has launched a new treatment regimen for schistosomiasis targeting children under the age of five.
According to the Ministry of Health, the move will see school-age children included in treatment coverage.
“The initiative marks a significant advancement in the ongoing battle against schistosomiasis, aiming to address reinfection issues among school-age children by including younger children and adults in the treatment coverage,’’ stated Kenya’s Ministry of Health.
The ministry further indicates that the newly developed regimen, known as ‘Pediatric Praziquantel’, was created in partnership with Merck, Lygature, Unlimit Health, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT), and Astellas.
“This collaborative effort is set to enhance the effectiveness of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) strategy by ensuring comprehensive community coverage, which is crucial for the control and eventual elimination of schistosomiasis,’’ noted the ministry.
In a press release dated January 12th 2024, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) stated its conclusion on human research for the treatment of schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children had shown promising results.
“The existing ‘standard of care’ treatment for schistosomiasis is praziquantel, which in Kenya, it is made available through mass drug administration programs to adults and school-aged children,” stated KEMRI.
Speaking during a meeting entitled “Excellence in Research & Development: Shaping a Healthier Future for All” held on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77), Dr. Sultani Matendechero, Deputy Director General for Health at the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, highlighted the initiative’s primary objective.
“Our goal is to improve access to medicine for vulnerable and neglected populations, ensuring that the fight against schistosomiasis includes all age groups within the community,” Dr. Matendechero stated.
This initiative builds on the notable strides made in combating schistosomiasis through the mass treatment of school-age children but aims to mitigate the reinfection risk posed by untreated preschool-age children and adults.
The development and introduction of this new pediatric medicine, praziquantel will play a critical role in closing the treatment gap and breaking the transmission of schistosomiasis in Kenya.