This short communication indicates that an integrated campaign of skin screening and MDA for schistosomiasis is feasible. Although cost savings may not be guaranteed, people do appreciate receiving comprehensive service packages.
Background: The World Health Organization advocates integrating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) into common delivery platforms to combat them in resource-constrained settings. However, limited literature exists on the benefits of integration. This study examines the feasibility and impact of adding skin screening to a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign in Côte d’Ivoire.
In June 2023, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene of Côte d’Ivoire piloted screening for skin-related NTDs alongside a national MDA campaign targeting soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis. Two districts, Fresco and Koro, were selected for the pilot. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative assessments. The quantitative aspect focused on campaign costs and outputs, using an ingredient approach for costing. The qualitative evaluation employed an empirical phenomenological approach to analyze the campaign’s operational feasibility and appreciation by stakeholders.
Findings: MDA activities cost $0·66 per treated child and skin screening $0·62 per screened person, including medical products. The MDA campaign exceeded coverage targets in both districts, whereas skin screening coverage varied by locality and age group. Both the service delivery team and the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the integrated campaign. However, opportunities for improvement were identified.
Integrating MDA and skin NTD screening proved operationally feasible in this context but had not recorded cost-saving effects. The performance of the MDA campaign was not negatively affected by additional skin screening activities, but effective integration requires thorough joint planning, strengthened training, and proper supervision.