Moving towards a new era in elimination of schistosomiasis in Dongting Lake regions / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

Hunan Province occupies a particular position in the history of the national schistosomiasis control programme of China. The province is hyperendemic for schistosomiasis, and achieves great successes and many experiences at various stages of the national schistosomiasis control programme of China. Recently, remarkable schistosomiasis control benefits have been achieved in Hunan Province because of the strong political will, increased financial support, intensification of the integrated control strategy and sustainable implementation of the four projects, including management of livestock and humans as sources of Schistosoma japonicum infections, snail control and capability building of schistosomiasis control institutions. In addition, a series of schistosomiasis control models have been created from the schistosomiasis control programme, and the concept of control-research combination and research serving for field control has been achieved, which provides the "Hunan experience" for the natonal schistosomiasis control programme of China. Based on the government-led multisectoralcollaboration principle, further actions are required with scientific control and joint prevention and control, implementation of the integrated strategy with emphases on controlling sources of S. japonicum infections and snails, adequate financial support, improved professional capability building, and innovative medical treatment-prevention combination patterns, so as to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in Hunan Province as soon as possible.