Remapping parasite landscapes: Nationwide prevalence, intensity and risk factors of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Rwanda.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) remain significant public health challenges in Rwanda, affecting individuals across all age groups. Despite ongoing mass drug administration (MDA) efforts, updated data on prevalence and risk factors are crucial for effective control and elimination strategies. This study reassessed the prevalence of STH and SCH in both children and adults in Rwanda, along with their associated risk factors, to guide control efforts.

Factors affecting community participation in drone-based larviciding using Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) for bio-control of malaria vectors in Rwanda.

Background: Malaria remains a significant health issue in Rwanda. Primary malaria prevention methods include insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying as core interventions. Mosquito repellents, larval source management (LSM), and housing improvement are recommended as supplemental vector control methods.

Anopheles gambiae Re-Emergence and Resurgent Malaria Transmission in Eastern Rwanda, 2010-2020.

Rwanda achieved unprecedented malaria control gains from 2000 to 2010, but cases increased 20-fold between 2011 and 2017. Vector control challenges and environmental changes were noted as potential explanations, but no studies have investigated causes of the resurgence or identified which vector species drove transmission. We conducted a retrospective study in four sites in eastern Rwanda that conducted monthly entomological surveillance and outpatient malaria care.

The impact of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Vectobac WDG) larvicide sprayed with drones on the bio-control of malaria vectors in rice fields of sub-urban Kigali, Rwanda.

Background: The core vector control tools used to reduce malaria prevalence are currently long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and indoor residual spraying (IRS). These interventions are hindered by insecticide resistance and behavioural adaptation by malaria vectors. Thus, for effective interruption of malaria transmission, there is a need to develop novel vector control interventions and technologies to address the above challenges.

Citizen science for monitoring the spatial and temporal dynamics of malaria vectors in relation to environmental risk factors in Ruhuha, Rwanda.

Background: As part of malaria prevention and control efforts, the distribution and density of malaria mosquitoes requires continuous monitoring. Resources for long-term surveillance of malaria vectors, however, are often limited. The aim of the research was to evaluate the value of citizen science in providing insight into potential malaria vector hotspots and other malaria relevant information, and to determine predictors of malaria vector abundance in a region where routine mosquito monitoring has not been established to support vector surveillance.

Nationwide Remapping of Infection in Rwanda Using Circulating Cathodic Antigen Rapid Test: Taking Steps toward Elimination.

The field standard for the detection of infection is Kato-Katz (KK), although it misses many active infections, especially light infections. In 2014, a reassessment of prevalence was conducted in Rwanda using the more sensitive point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) rapid assay. A total of 19,371 children from 399 schools were selected for testing for single urine CCA.

Monitoring long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) durability to validate net serviceable life assumptions, in Rwanda.

Background: To validate assumptions about the length of the distribution-replacement cycle for long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in Rwanda, the Malaria and other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Ministry of Health, used World Health Organization methods to independently confirm the three-year LLIN serviceable life span recommendation of WHO.

Methods: Approximately 3,000 coded LLINs, distributed as part of a national campaign, were monitored in six sites, by means of six-monthly visits to selected houses. Two indicators, survivorship/attrition, a measure of the number of nets remaining, and fabric integrity, the proportion of remaining nets in either 'good', 'serviceable' or 'needs replacement' condition, based on holes in the net material, were tracked.