Challenges of schistosomiasis control in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic
10.16250/j.32.1374.2020198
- VernacularTitle:新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控期间我国血吸虫病防治工作面临的影响和挑战调查
- Author:
Jing-Yi GUO
1
;
Li-Juan ZHANG
1
;
Chun-Li CAO
1
;
Shan LÜ
1
;
Jing XU
1
;
Shi-Zhu LI
1
;
Xiao-Nong ZHOU
1
Author Information
1. National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Parasites and Vector Biology, Shanghai 200025, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Schistosomiasis;
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-9);
Challenge;
Questionnaire survey
- From:
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control
2020;32(5):511-516
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the implementation of schistosomiasis control activities in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, so as to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on the national schistosomiasis control program in China. Methods On April 2020, 3 counties (districts) were randomly selected from each of the 12 schistosomiasis-endemic provinces (municipality, autonomous region), and a questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the implementation of schistosomiasis control activities in these counties (districts) from January to March 2020. Then, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemics on the national schistosomiasis control program of China was evaluated using a comparative analysis approach. Results Among the 36 counties (cities, districts) sampled from 12 provinces (municipality, autonomous region), 66.67% were at a high and medium risk of COVID-19 epidemics. The implementation of schistosomiasis control activities assignment, human schistosomiasis examination and treatment, snail control with chemical treatment and health education reduced by 44.26% to 91.56% as compared to 2019 during the same time period, and the schistosomiasis control program was more affected by COVID-19 in transmission-controlled provinces. The gross funds invested into the schistosomiasis control program reduced by 23.39% in relative to the expected, while the total expenditure increased by 41.22%. In addition, all 36 surveyed counties (districts) considered that the COVID-19 epidemic had a short-term impact on the schistosomiasis control program, with the most predominant impact on schistosomiasis control activities assignment, human resources and monitoring of endemic situation of schistosomiasis. Conclusions The COVID-19 epidemics affect the routine schistosomiasis control program across the endemic-foci of China. Policy and financial support should be strengthened to ensure the completion of the schistosomiasis control program.
