Community‐Led Control of Schistosomiasis in Rural Nigeria with a $1 microscope and Drone Mapping

AMA abstract category: Choose one Public Health and Health Policy Submissions in Public Health and Health Policy must relate to the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases. This topic also includes studies on COVID-19, vaccinations, and health equity. Clinical and Translational Research Submissions in Clinical and Translational Research must center around human subject research aimed towards prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of disease processes either fully in the clinical setting, or as a bridge between the lab and clinical practice. Note: All abstracts must be submitted using this approved template and must not include pictures, graphs, or tables. The abstract must not exceed 400 words, excluding the abstract title, page numbering, or any ancillary entrant information. Citations or references are not a necessity with the abstract. If your abstract is accepted for consideration, you may include citations or references with your poster. Abstract Title Community‐Led Control of Schistosomiasis in Rural Nigeria Using the Foldscope, Environmental Mapping, and Educational Initiatives Draft 2 (word count 400) Background Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease transmitted through freshwater contact, disproportionately affecting children in low-resource settings. In rural Nigeria communities like those in Ogun State, dependence on natural freshwater for daily occupation increased vulnerability to Schistosoma haematobium infection, which can cause hematuria, anemia, and long-term risks including bladder and cervical cancer. Limited clinic access, stigma, and low diagnostic capacity–due to the need for electricity, skilled personnel, and costly equipment of traditional microscopy–delay timely care in these regions. Methods This mixed-methods study (July 22 to August 1, 2025) with three components. First, it will evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic potential of a community-led screening strategy using the Foldscope, a $1 paper microscope, paired with a reusable filtration slide. The study will be conducted in Imala and Imala Odo, high-prevalence communities near the Oyan River Dam. Community health extension workers (CHEWs) will be trained to identify Schistosoma ova in urine samples from children and adults. Diagnostic results will be compared to gold-standard microscopy, and participants will receive praziquantel treatment as needed from a local clinician. Interviews with CHEWs and NTD coordinators will assess feasibility for broader implementation. Second, environmental mapping (July 17–22) will use drones and satellite imagery to locate Bulinus snail habitats and model potential transmission zones in arcGIS. Third, to promote local engagement and youth education, we are deploying a large-format, traditionally-woven mat game based on Schisto & Ladders. This locally adapted board game teaches children about symptoms, transmission, and prevention, and will be reimagined into a group game to be played in an educational setting, embodying the principles of disease transmission for spatial understanding. Results Preliminary findings from Houston demonstrate that the Foldscope has 79% sensitivity and 100% specificity among untrained users compared to gold-standard microscopy. In Nigeria, we anticipate enrolling 406 participants across Imala and Imala Odo during the study period. Quantitative outcome variables for evaluating Foldscope effectiveness will include sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall diagnostic accuracy. Qualitative data will be through focus groups and interviews with CHEWs and local clinicians to assess the acceptability and feasibility of community-led screening. For the environmental mapping component, outcome variables will include vegetation density around water access points across 4 transmission hotspot sites, additionally ground-truthing verification of habitat images using vegetation and snail samples. Conclusion This project integrates ultra-low-cost diagnostics, geospatial surveillance, and culturally tailored education to support scalable, community-led schistosomiasis control aligned with SDGs 3, 4, 6, and 9. DA6YJ6G7ZQ Thank you! You have successfully completed your abstract submission. Confirmation number: DA6YJ6G7ZQ You must be an AMA member to participate. Confirm your member status here. Join or renew by July 16 for your abstract to be considered. Participants will be notified of abstract acceptance decisions in early September 2025. 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