A systematic literature review of schistosomiasis in urban and peri-urban settings

Summary

The selected studies (248) for this systematic review confirm that schistosomiasis is prevalent in peri-urban and urban areas in Africa, Asia, Latin- and Central-America. Earlier studies report higher prevalence levels in urban settings compared to data extracted from more recent publications. However, the challenge of migration, rapid uncontrolled urbanisation, and resulting poor living conditions highlight the potential for continuous or even newly established transmission to take place. Research and policy implications are discussed.