Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, SNAPS will lead to more effective and sustainable control programmes that respond to local conditions, reducing over- or under-treatment and improving health outcomes in endemic regions. 

We are committed to supporting all endemic African countries in eliminating five major neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)—lymphatic Filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, guinea worm, and human African trypanosomiasis—by 2030. Additionally, we aim to eliminate severe morbidity caused by schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STH). 

Context 

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 90% of the global burden exists. In 2022 alone, 241 million people—including 120 million school-aged children—required preventive treatment. While mass drug administration using praziquantel and benzimidazoles has significantly reduced disease prevalence, many areas still lack impact assessments and tailored strategies. 

A shift toward precision 

Recent evidence shows schistosomiasis is highly localized, requiring more targeted interventions at sub-district levels. This shift challenges traditional district-wide approaches and calls for more refined strategies that reflect local epidemiological realities. 

Bridging the gaps 

Despite progress, national programmes face critical gaps in monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making. Existing WHO guidelines offer general frameworks but lack actionable detail. New tools like: 

• Schistosomiasis Practical and Precision Assessments (SPPA) – designed for national use with minimal external support. 

• Model-Based Geostatistical Impact Assessments (MBG IAs) – offering efficient, data-driven insights with external support. 

These tools are endorsed by WHO and ESPEN but need clearer guidance on deployment and integration with STH programmes. 

Toward a unified strategy 

To accelerate progress, the project works to develop a strategic framework and action plan that will: 

• Provide a clear blueprint for national programmes to make evidence-based decisions. 

• Identify remaining evidence gaps and ongoing research. 

• Support integration of schistosomiasis and STH control efforts. 

• Align efforts across partners, especially in high-burden regions like Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. 

The knowledge and data products generated through this project both epidemiological and programmatic resources, which will rapidly be made available open-access through the ESPEN NTD Portal. 

Together with the SNAPS project partners, we can transform fragmented efforts into a cohesive, impactful movement toward eliminating NTDs and improving health equity across Africa.