Post-Mass Drug Administration Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases in School-Aged Children: A Short Report from the Amhara Region, Senegal

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are a persistent public health concern in resource-limited areas. Mass drug administration (MDA) is the primary control intervention, necessitating post-treatment surveillance to assess impact and inform strategy. This short report aimed to determine the prevalence of STH infections among school-aged children in the Amhara Region of Senegal following a round of MDA. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected primary schools. Stool samples were collected and analysed for STH eggs using the Kato-Katz technique. Infection intensity was categorised according to standard guidelines. The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 18.7%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent species (12.4%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (6.1%) and hookworm (2.3%). The majority of infections were of light intensity. A considerable STH burden persists in school-aged children in this region despite recent MDA, indicating ongoing transmission. The species distribution is typical for the area. Continued, and potentially intensified, MDA is required. Complementary water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions should be strengthened to achieve sustained control. Further investigation into potential anthelminthic resistance is warranted. soil-transmitted helminths, mass drug administration, prevalence, school-aged children, Senegal, public health monitoring This report provides essential post-MDA surveillance data from a defined region, contributing to the evidence base for national helminth control programmes and underscoring the need for integrated control measures.