Practice of preventive measures and vaccine hesitance for COVID 19 among households in The Gambia, 2021: Study protocol.

The first imported confirmed case of COVID 19 was reported in The Gambia on 16th of March 2020 which led to the implementation of relevant public health interventions to prevent further importation and spread of the virus. However, by 8th November 2021, the country had registered cumulatively 9.980 COVID-19 confirmed infection and 341 deaths.

Species diversity and distribution of schistosome intermediate snail hosts in The Gambia.

There is a need for recent information on intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia; the previous studies were conducted over three decades ago. This study assessed the incidence, species diversity, distribution and infection status of schistosome intermediate snail hosts in the country. Malacological surveys were conducted in all 5 regions of The Gambia: Central River Region (CRR), Upper River Region (URR), Western Region (WR), Lower River Region (LRR) and North Bank Region (NBR).

Mapping survey of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases towards mass drug administration in The Gambia.

Background: A national mapping survey of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) was conducted in The Gambia in May, 2015. The survey aimed at establishing endemicity of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases to inform decisions on program planning and implementation of mass drug administration (MDA).

Methodology/principal Findings: A cross-section of 10,434 eligible school aged children (SAC), aged 7 to 14 years old were enrolled in the survey.

Prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis among primary school children in four selected regions of The Gambia.

Background: The Gambia initiated a control programme for schistosomiasis in 2015. In light of this, recent and comprehensive data on schistosomiasis is required to effectively guide the control programme. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis among primary school children in The Gambia.

Prevalence and risk factors for faecal carriage of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers in lower basic schools in West Coast Region of The Gambia.

Background: The isolation of Extended spectrum βlactamase (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers and their implication as sources of food borne outbreaks are a public health concern. This study seeks to investigate the prevalence of faecal carriage of these bacteria among food handlers in the West Coast Region of The Gambia.

Method: This study enrolled 600 participants from 60 Lower Basic Schools in West Coast Region of the country.

Field evaluation of a schistosome circulating cathodic antigen rapid test kit at point-of-care for mapping of schistosomiasis endemic districts in The Gambia.

Background: Studies in Sub Saharan Africa have shown that the Circulating Cathodic Antigen point-of-care-test (POC-CCA) is more accurate in the detections of S. mansoni than the microscopic Kato-Katz technique but less is known about the accuracy of this rapid test in detecting S. haematobium infections.

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Gambia.

Background: The prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti, which causes lymphatic filariasis (LF) in The Gambia was among the highest in Africa in the 1950s. However, surveys conducted in 1975 and 1976 revealed a dramatic decline in LF endemicity in the absence of mass drug administration (MDA). The decline in prevalence was partly attributed to a significant reduction in mosquito density through the widespread use of insecticidal nets.