By Elijah Banda
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma worms, remains a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas. In Malawi, the disease is silently endemic, with high prevalence rates along the shores of Lake Malawi. While medical interventions like mass drug administration (MDA) have been implemented, while the role of adult and learning education (ALE), in combating Schistosomiasis, has often been ignored.
ALE can play a crucial role in raising awareness, changing behaviors, and supporting sustainable control efforts. In Malawi, according to some findings, approximately 40 percent to 50 percent of the population is at risk of Schistosomiasis, with higher prevalence rates in the lakeshore and southern regions. The disease manifests in two forms:
Urogenital schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, and intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni. Transmission occurs through contact with freshwater bodies infested with infected snails, making communities near water sources particularly vulnerable. The disease leads to various health complications, including organ damage and impaired cognitive development in children. However, incorporating ALE means, encompassing educational programs targeting adults, aiming to enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Nevertheless, in the context of schistosomiasis, ALE can contribute in several ways:
To begin with, raising awareness: many rural communities lack knowledge about Schistosomiasis, its transmission, and prevention methods. ALE programs can bridge this gap by providing information through workshops, community meetings, and educational materials.
Behavioral change: Understanding the disease is crucial, but changing long-standing practices is equally important. ALE can facilitate discussions that challenge harmful behaviors, such as bathing or washing clothes in infested water sources, and promote safer alternatives.
Supporting health interventions: ALE can complement medical efforts by encouraging community participation in MDA campaigns. When adults are educated about the benefits and safety of treatments, they are more like to support and participate in these initiatives.
Empowering communities: Educated adults are better equipped to advocate for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, addressing the root causes of schistosomiasis transmission.
However, there has been some case studies demonstrating ALE’s impact in Malawi such as community health education, whereby, community-directed interventions have shown promise in increasing MDA coverage for schistosomiasis. By involving local leaders and community members in the distribution of treatments, these programs have achieved higher participation rates and sustained control efforts.
In Mangochi district, a youth drama group conducted performance to raise awareness about female genital schistosomiasis. These performances, combined with community meetings, effectively disseminated information and encouraged women to seek screening and treatment. Also, the use of culturally relevant educational materials, such as cartoons and games, have been effective in conveying messages about schistosomiasis prevention. For instance, a cartoon featuring a character named Koko helped children appreciate the risks of infection and importance of hygiene .
Moreover, despite the potential of ALE, several challenges hinder its effectiveness. Many rural areas lack the necessary resources to implement comprehensive ALE programs. Also, the issue of cultural barriers cannot be overlooked. Traditional beliefs and practices may hinder the acceptance of new information and behaviors. Besides, inadequate infrastructure may also lead to poor communication and transportation networks hence the delay in terms of reach of ALE initiatives.
However, to overcome these challenges, the following recommendations are vital. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders should collaborate to design and implement ALE programs tailored to local contexts. ALE should be incorporated into existing health and education systems to ensure sustainability and broader reach. Finally, regular monitoring and evaluation of ALE programs can help assess their impact and make necessary adjustments.
In summary, schistosomiasis remains a silent killer in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas of Malawi. While medicinal interventions are essential, they must be complemented by educational efforts to address the underlying knowledge gaps and behavioral factors contributing to the disease spread. ALE offers a sustainable and community-driven approach to combating schistosomiasis. By knowledge and skills to prevent and manage the disease, ALE significantly play an important role in reducing the burden of schistosomiasis and improving public health outcomes in rural Sub-Saharan Africa.