COMMONLY KNOWN AS BILHARZIA, THE PARASITE IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH WATER INFESTED WITH INFECTED SNAILS.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will roll out a national schistosomiasis survey in April 2025 to assess the presence of the disease among children aged 8 to 11 years attending public primary schools across Saint Lucia.

Schistosomiasis, commonly known as bilharzia, is a waterborne parasitic disease transmitted through contact with fresh water infested with infected snails. The initiative is an essential public health milestone as Saint Lucia works toward officially confirming the elimination of this neglected tropical disease. According to Dr. Dana DaCosta Gomez, Medical Surveillance Officer at the Ministry of Health.

“We are undertaking this important survey to ensure that there are no lingering infections among our school-aged population. Although our last school survey was in 2017, and no infected snails were found in 2022, we must meet the World Health Organization's criteria to verify elimination status.”

She also noted that the upcoming school-based survey will randomly select students, with participation strictly voluntary. Parents will be fully informed through information packages and must give written consent. Finger-prick blood samples will be taken using safe, sterile techniques, and all results will remain confidential.

“The outcome of this survey not only strengthens our disease surveillance framework but also positions Saint Lucia as a regional public health leader in eliminating schistosomiasis,” noted Dr. DaCosta Gomez. It also provides reassurance that our freshwater environments are safe and that our public health systems are functioning proactively,” Dr. Gomez explained.

The Ministry underscores that Saint Lucia has recorded only 36 cases in the past ten years, reflecting a very low disease prevalence. Any positive cases detected during the survey will receive free treatment and follow-up investigations from the Ministry.

The Ministry of Health extends gratitude to all parents, educators, and communities supporting this effort. Your participation contributes to a safer, healthier future for the children and families of Saint Lucia.

Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/ministry-of-health-launches-national-survey-on-schistosomiasis-elimination

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg00_RoPPg0

Listen to podcast: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/ministry-of-health-launches-national-survey-on-schistosomiasis-elimination