School-based combined mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis among school-age children: lessons from two co-endemic areas in the Philippines

Abstract

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the safety and feasibility of school-based combined mass drug administration (MDA) using albendazole and praziquantel in selected areas in the Philippines. MethodsThis study consisted of two phases: Phase I assessed the safety and feasibility of combined MDA; Phase II assessed the feasibility of teacher-assisted combined MDA. Sites chosen had ongoing school-based MDA of albendazole for soil-transmitted helminthiases in order to demonstrate integration of services by adding MDA of praziquantel for schistosomiasis onto the manpower and infrastructure of the existing program. ResultsSchool-based combined MDA coverage rates were 80.1% and 75.5% in Phases I and II, respectively. Of students treated, 5.2% in Phase I and 5.4% in Phase II experienced adverse events, which were mostly mild and transient. In Phase II, the average time for combined treatment was less than one minute per student, with shorter times observed in older age groups. ConclusionsIntegration of MDA in schools may help in achieving good treatment coverage for soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis control among school-age children. The safety profile and feasibility of school-based combined MDA as demonstrated by this study may provide basis for larger scale implementation in other co-endemic areas.