title: Sentinel surveillance of lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis soil transmitted helminths and malaria in rural southern Malawi.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Baseline prevalence and knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) survey is a prerequisite for mass drug administration for the control of Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and other neglected tropical diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  In preparation for the first mass drug administration for LF elimination, a baseline survey was conducted in six sentinel sites in the southern Malawi, amongst participants aged five years or more. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic factors, ownership and use of bed nets, previous ingestion of ivermectin and KAP toward hydrocele and lymphoedema. Finger prick blood samples were collected from 22:00 to 01:00 hours for LF microscopy, malaria and haemoglobin examination. Stool and urine samples were collected for internal helminths and schistosomiasis respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1, 903 participants were enrolled. Knowledge on the cause of hydrocele and lymphoedema was low in all the sentinel sites (16%-42%, 10%-24% (respectively). Sexual intercourse with a menstruating woman, bad weather and HIV/AIDS were perceived causes of hydrocele. Microfilaraemia prevalence was 1.5% and varied little between sentinel sites (1.0%-2.1%). Childhood urinary schistosomiasis was common in Phalombe (94.9%) and Blantyre (26.9%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Integrated approach and understanding of the community KAP is vital or successful implementation of LF elimination programme.
authors: World Health Organisation, Malawi Country Office, Lilongwe, Malawi. msyambozak@mw.afro.who.int
authors: Kelias
authors: K
authors: Msyamboza
authors: Bagrey
authors: B
authors: Ngwira
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Banda
authors: Square
authors: S
authors: Mkwanda
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Brabin
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