Understanding persistent schistosomiasis: DRIVERS project

About the DRIVERS project 

Schistosomiasis is one of the most widespread neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting over 150 million people worldwide, particularly children and communities with limited access to safe water and sanitation.  

The DRIVERS research project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, aims to uncover why the disease still persists in some areas of Africa, despite decades of treatment. 

Led by the University of Glasgow, this international consortium brings together experts in epidemiology, immunology, genetics, and mathematical modelling, alongside national schistosomiasis programme managers and ministry of health representatives. 

Unlimit Health serves as a co-investigator on DRIVERS, bringing established partnerships with ministries of health in Côte d’Ivoire and Malawi to help ensure findings translate into policy and practice.

Why the research project matters 

Understanding why schistosomiasis persists in some areas is critical to breaking the cycle of infection and accelerating progress toward elimination. Persistent transmission and rapid reinfection undermine decades of effort, leaving millions at risk of long-term health complications. 

How we’re investigating persistence

DRIVERS will address key knowledge gaps through: 

• Measuring true worm burdens and treatment outcomes
  • Assess clearance, reinfection rates, and egg shedding before and after treatment.
• Identifying drivers of persistence such as:
  • Poor worm-burden reduction post-treatment
  • Rapid reinfection in individuals
  • Ongoing community transmission despite repeated mass drug administration
• Developing improved intervention strategies
  • Use advanced modelling and field data to design context-specific solutions that work.

This research combines detailed epidemiology, immunology, pharmacokinetics, parasite genetics, host behaviour, and environmental data with cutting-edge modelling to provide actionable insights. 

How Unlimit Health supports the DRIVERS project

Unlimit Health provides scientific oversight, with Dr Fiona Fleming, Director of Research and Innovation, serving as co-investigator. Our strong partnerships with Ministries of Health in Côte d’Ivoire and Malawi, and experience in national impact assessments, will guide site selection and ensure findings translate into policy and practice. 

Impact of the DRIVERS research project 

By pinpointing why schistosomiasis persists in some areas despite regular treatment, DRIVERS will generate evidence-based recommendations to improve control strategies. These insights will help refine transmission models, predict intervention impact, and accelerate progress toward eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem.