SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA: AN EXTENDED RETROSPECTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (2020–2025)
This study provides critical insights into schistosomiasis trends across Ondo State, identifying high-risk areas and reinforcing the importance of targeted interventions, improved sanitation, and sustained public health investment.
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria carrying the highest global disease burden. Ondo State is among the most affected sub-national jurisdictions, particularly in riparian and agricultural communities with frequent freshwater exposure. This study assessed the prevalence, endemicity levels, and disease burden of schistosomiasis across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State from 2020 to 2025, combining retrospective secondary data (2020–2022) with trend-projected estimates (2023–2025) to guide evidence-based public health interventions. Secondary epidemiological data from the Neglected Tropical Disease section of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency were analysed using descriptive statistics. Projected trends for 2023–2025 were estimated based on annual reduction rates observed in comparable Nigerian endemic settings, aligned with WHO 2030 elimination benchmarks. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0 and Microsoft Excel. The study was retrospective, with the data revealing considerable heterogeneity in prevalence across LGAs. Ifedore recorded the highest endemicity (27.0%), followed by Akure North (19.0%), while eight LGAs reported zero prevalence. Projected estimates indicate a gradual decline in mean state prevalence from approximately 7.1% to 5.8% by 2025, contingent on sustained mass drug administration (MDA) and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. However, Ifedore and Akure North are projected to remain moderately endemic without intensified intervention. Schistosomiasis persists as an endemic concern in Ondo State despite ongoing MDA programmes. The findings highlight the inadequacy of chemotherapy alone, calling for integrated strategies encompassing environmental management, WASH improvement, community health education, and targeted surveillance to achieve WHO 2030 elimination goals.
Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Ondo State, endemicity, epidemiology, mass drug administration, neglected tropical diseases, prevalence trends, praziquantel, WASH
Citation: Ibukunoluwa, M. R., Awe, O. O., Omobolade, O., Abubakar, A. M., Amubieya, E. O., & Adetunji, A. T. (2026). Schistosomiasis in Ondo State, Nigeria: An extended retrospective epidemiological analysis (2020–2025). Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2(1), 68–79.
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