Surveillance of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis and Schistosomiasis in the Philippines: Review of Current Policies, Guidelines, and Practices

Abstract

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) predominantly affect vulnerable populations in tropical and subtropical areas (WHO, 2020). Periodic assessment of disease prevalence through a national surveillance system is recommended to ensure that programs continue to reflect national disease control priorities (WHO, 2001). This study aimed to review global and national policies on surveillance of STH and SCH; describe the implementation of surveillance activities at national, regional, provincial, and municipal levels; identify strengths and challenges faced by control programs; and identify opportunities for the development and adoption of new tools to aid diagnosis and surveillance. Policy review and qualitative data collection through key informant interviews (KIIs) of ten control program personnel at the national, regional, provincial, and municipal levels were conducted. This study was able to describe roles of relevant stakeholders in surveillance for STH and SCH; typical processes and data flow for surveillance including strengths and challenges in implementation; and revealed an interest in the adoption of new tools for diagnosis and surveillance. Opportunities for enhancement of surveillance were identified, such as the engagement of a dedicated “external team”; development of policy and strengthened implementation of quality assurance schemes; capacity-building of health human resources; and development and utilization of a digital scheme to aid diagnosis and data collection, recording, and reporting, thereby enabling enhancement of policy and subsequent service delivery for better public health outcomes.