CGPH FACULTY: Robert Spear
DATE OF PUBLICATION: October 2011
REGION: Asia
REFERENCE: Seto EY, Remais JV, Carlton EJ, Wang S, Liang S, Brindley PJ, Qiu D, Spear RC, Wang LD, Wang TP, Chen HG, Dong XQ, Wang LY, Hao Y, Bergquist R, Zhou XN. Toward sustainable and comprehensive control of schistosomiasis in China: lessons from Sichuan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2011 Oct;5(10):e1372. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001372. Epub 2011 Oct 25.
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Triggered by a fascinating publication in the New England Journal of Medicine detailing China’s new multi-pronged strategy to control and eventually interrupt the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum, this PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Debate critically examines the generalizability and financial costs of the studies presented from the marshlands of the lake region. Finally, the two opponents converge. The need for integrated, intersectoral, and setting-specific control measures is stressed, supported by rigorous surveillance and continuous research. Experiences and lessons from China are important for shaping the schistosomiasis elimination agenda.
ACCESS: Link to Pubmed