The prevalence, endemicity and epidemiology of Schistosomiasis on the fisherfolk communities of Lake Victoria basin, Uganda

Schistosomiasis a water-borne socio-economically devastating disease commonly found among lake shore dwellers in areas where it is endemic. The Lake basin supports an estimated 30 million people many of them fisherfolk who directly depend on abundant water resources but are often exposed to water-borne diseases including Schistosomiasis. Other water related intestinal bacterial diseases like the salmonellas and Shigellas, do occur at the Lake Victoria basin but are less frequently reported and probably of less importance in comparison to Schistosomiasis. We investigated the prevalence, endemicity ,and epidemiology of the Schistosomiasis including its obligate intermediate host populations at various sites along the shores of northern Lake Victoria over a four month period during the year 2000. The investigation was carried out with the aim of generating information on the intensity and spread of Schistosomiasis. This information will be used in formulating a Schistosomiasis control programme. When put in place, it will enhance positive development in the health of the fisherfolk communities thus reciprocally improve and promote their productive capacities hence incomes.