Dziedzom K. de Souza, Jeffrey Gabriel Sumboh, Nii Arku Laryea, Odame Asiedu, Bright Alomatu, Sedzro Kojo Mensah, Joseph Otchere, Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare, Collins Ahorlu
International Health · Vol. 17(6) · pp. 960–967 ·
DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaf039
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to validate the 'Engage & Treat' (E&T) and 'Test & Treat' (T&T) strategies to treat individuals who seldom or never participate in lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration (LF MDA). METHODS: The study was conducted in a hotspot district of Ghana, with 20 years of MDA. Treatment registers documenting participation were used to identify non-participating individuals. Individuals willingly accepting treatment were given the drugs (E&T). Those who refused treatment were offered testing using the filaria test strip (FTS) and further engaged to receive treatment if positive (T&T). A portion of the E&T participants were also tested. RESULTS: Overall, 25 068 individuals who missed the last MDA were identified; 93.13% accepted the drugs; 9958 people were tested, revealing an overall prevalence of 7.26% (95% CI 6.76 to 7.79%). Positivity was higher in T&T (12.10%; 95% CI 10.43 to 13.92%) than in the E&T group (6.47%; 95% CI 5.96 to 7.01%). The odds of testing positive were higher (OR=1.99; 95% CI 1.66 to 2.39; p<0.0001) among the T&T population and missing three consecutive MDAs (OR=2.22; 95% CI 1.86 to 2.64; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the validity of the strategies in addressing the challenges with non-treatment during LF MDA. Their implementation in areas of persistent transmission can support elimination in these settings.
How to cite
Souza, D. K. d., Sumboh, J. G., Laryea, N. A., Asiedu, O., Alomatu, B., Mensah, S. K., Otchere, J., Opare, J. K. L., Ahorlu, C. (2025). Beyond business as usual for lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration in hotspot districts. International Health, 17(6), 960–967. https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf039