Open AccessA framework for scabies control
Author(s) -
Daniel Engelman,
Michael Marks,
Andrew C. Steer,
Abate Mulugeta Beshah,
Gautam Biswas,
Olivier Chosidow,
Luc E. Coffeng,
Belen L. Dofitas,
Wendemagegn Enbiale,
Mosoka Fallah,
Elkhan Gasimov,
Adrian Hopkins,
Julie Jacobson,
John Kaldor,
Fatimata Ly,
Charles D. Mackenzie,
Jodie McVer,
Matthew Parnaby,
Merelesita Rainima-Qaniuci,
Oliver Sokana,
Dieudonné Sankara,
Rie Roselyne Yotsu,
Aya Yajima,
Paul T. Cantey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos neglected tropical diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.99
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1935-2735
pISSN - 1935-2727
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009661
Subject(s) - scabies , neglected tropical diseases , overcrowding , tropical disease , psychological intervention , medicine , ivermectin , environmental health , disease , business , public health , economic growth , nursing , veterinary medicine , pathology , dermatology , economics
Scabies is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that causes a significant health burden, particularly in disadvantaged communities and where there is overcrowding. There is emerging evidence that ivermectin-based mass drug administration (MDA) can reduce the prevalence of scabies in some settings, but evidence remains limited, and there are no formal guidelines to inform control efforts. An informal World Health Organization (WHO) consultation was organized to find agreement on strategies for global control. The consultation resulted in a framework for scabies control and recommendations for mapping of disease burden, delivery of interventions, and establishing monitoring and evaluation. Key operational research priorities were identified. This framework will allow countries to set control targets for scabies as part of national NTD strategic plans and develop control strategies using MDA for high-prevalence regions and outbreak situations. As further evidence and experience are collected and strategies are refined over time, formal guidelines can be developed. The control of scabies and the reduction of the health burden of scabies and associated conditions will be vital to achieving the targets set in WHO Roadmap for NTDs for 2021 to 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.