Progress and challenges of schistosomiasis elimination in China

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is an old and geographically widespread parasitic disease that severely damages human health and affects socioeconomic development in China. The implementation of the integrated strategy with emphasis on controlling the source of Schistosoma japonicum infection and the National Mid- and Long-Term Plan for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control (2004-2015) in China greatly facilitated the progress towards the elimination of schistosomiasis in China. Since transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in 2015, the goal of the national schistosomiasis control program has moved to transmission interruption and elimination in China. Because of the impacts of natural and social factors, and the new situation, new task and new demands following the continuous decline in the endemic situation of schistosomiasis, several challenges exist to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination nationwide. This paper analyzed the current endemic status of schistosomiasis, progress and challenges of schistosomiasis elimination, and proposed some suggestions for the national chistosomiasis elimination program in China.