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Preparing for implementation: ADOPT program update
Together with local stakeholders, the ADOPT program is developing an implementation approach tailored to local conditions in endemic countries for introducing our potential new pediatric treatment for schistosomiasis, once approved. It's been nearly 2.5 years since the program was launched, and we take stock of key developments.
Overall project status
At present, the Consortium’s development program is in the regulatory phase. Pending the European Medicines Agency’s decision, the ADOPT program is paving the way for the large-scale delivery of the potential new pediatric treatment option through the schistosomiasis control programs in selected endemic countries.
Social science studies
To better understand how schistosomiasis and the potential new pediatric treatment option are perceived by local populations and stakeholders, the ADOPT program team has conducted social science studies in each of the three pilot countries in Africa: Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, and Uganda. The studies revealed that while local communities are aware of the disease, they are not fully informed of the risk factors of transmission. The results also show that general awareness of the need to treat schistosomiasis at a very young age exists.
Spreading awareness
The findings of the social science studies are informing the development of educational materials to further increase awareness of the importance of treating schistosomiasis in preschoolers.
"Together with our partners in Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya and Uganda, we are currently developing the appropriate approach, tailored to local conditions in each country, to introduce and make the treatment available to the very young children in need," says Peter Steinmann, public health specialist at Swiss TPH and ADOPT program co-lead.
Preparing for roll-out
To find the best implementation approach, potential delivery platforms have been systematically evaluated, while protocols for pilot distribution are developed. Jennifer Burrill, co-lead of the ADOPT program and Deputy Director of Access at Unlimit Health comments: “The appropriate delivery platform depends on which programs are already available for targeting very young children in each country, for example, a door-to-door campaign approach or a combination with fixed service points, e.g., in the framework of periodic child health days.”
For more information on the ADOPT program, follow this link.
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