Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia): Sustainable Disease Control in Aquatic Environments
摘要
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) continues to affect millions globally, particularly in low-resource settings where access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare remains limited. This chapter focuses on the need for sustainable disease management strategies that move beyond temporary drug-based interventions to long-term, environmentally integrated solutions. Schistosomiasis transmission is closely linked to freshwater contact and poor hygiene infrastructure, creating a cycle of reinfection that undermines public health progress. While mass drug administration (MDA) has played a crucial role in reducing morbidity, it does not address the root causes of transmission, such as contaminated water sources and the presence of intermediate snail hosts. This chapter explores sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, eco-friendly snail control techniques, and community-based approaches as viable alternatives for reducing infection rates. It also highlights the use of innovative technologies—including GIS mapping, remote sensing, and mobile health (mHealth)—to improve surveillance and enhance targeted responses. Case studies demonstrate the value of local ownership, education, and intersectoral collaboration in establishing durable control frameworks. By linking schistosomiasis prevention to broader sustainability agendas, the chapter aligns its strategies with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Ultimately, the chapter argues that the sustainable control of schistosomiasis is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and disease, and for achieving long-term global health resilience.