EVALUATION ON THE DISEASE CONTROL EFFECT OF WORLD BANK LOAN SCHISTOSOMAISIS CONTROL PROJECT IN JIANGSU PROVINCE

Objective To evaluate the effect of the disease control in World Bank Loan Project for Schistosomiasis Control in Jiangsu Province. Methods The control approaches were carried out according to the control strategy of World Bank Loan Project for Schistosomiasis Control from 1992-1998 in Jiangsu Province. Some indicators of the epidemic situation were surveyed, including the prevalence in human population, prevalence in cattle, snail area, natural snail infection rate, and density of infected snails. Results After intensive control work through the World Bank Loan Project, the endemic areas have reduced remarkably. Among the 34 project counties, 16 have reached the criteria of transmission interruption for schistosomiasis, 4 have reached the criteria of transmission control and 14 were still endemic by the end of 1998. The population of the project epidemic area has reduced by 59 85%. The prevalence rate in human and cattle decreased by 48 10% and 51 85% from 1992 to 1998 respectively. However, the areas with high transmission potential, density of snails, density of infected snails and snail infection rate increased by the end of 1998. The density of infected snails and snail infection rate increased by 111 08% and 93 71% respectively. The degree of endemicity for schistosomiasis in the regions along the Yangtze River was more serious than that in the plain and hilly regions. Conclusion Although the effectiveness of the World Bank Loan Project for Schistosomiasis Control is remarkable, the schistosomiasis transmission has not been controlled in regions along the Yangtze River. If the control approaches cannot continue, it is possible for the resumption of transmission of schistosomiasis.