Schistosomiasis Practical & Precision Assessment tool (SPPA)
SPPA Tool
Click here or on the image to launch a prototype geospatial decision-support tool that helps users visualize relevant geospatial data and assists users with implementing the Schistosomiasis Practical and Precision Assessment protocol. Once developed, the tool will assist users with the decision of whether to start with Practical versus Precision Assessment for each eligible administrative unit. The tool will also provide visualization of the results after the SPPA is carried out. This protocol helps to plan surveys and mass drug administration activities that are more efficient and effective than what is done currently. The tool is being piloted in Kenya for schistosomiasis and designed such that it can be expanded to other countries and programs. As of April 2024, you can open the tool to review geographic areas that are more/less environmentally suitable for the transmission of Schistosomiasis, analyze historical prevalence data, and determine which administrative units are to receive practical or precision assessments. Check back in the coming months as additional functionality comes online.
Schistosomiasis Practical & Precision Assessment Protocol
Schistosomiasis (SCH) programmes that have conducted at least 5 rounds of effective PC (i.e., >75% coverage) should consider conducting impact assessments to determine whether the frequency of treatment should change or remain the same. In this context, the purpose of an impact assessment is to classify the prevalence of SCH in a unit, relative to the target threshold for mass treatment (10%). In many settings SCH programmes have historically used administrative or health districts as the unit of implementation. Given the focal nature of SCH transmission, there is a desire to have an impact assessment strategy that will allow SCH programs to determine whether treatment should be delivered at a district vs. sub-district level. The aim is to conserve resources, while minimizing over- and under-treatment. Consequently, impact assessment surveys need to efficiently and accurately classify endemic sub-districts, while being feasible for SCH programmes to implement. This includes ensuring that planning, implementation, analysis, and interpretation are aligned with existing technical capacity and skills, as well as the local epidemiology.
The SCH Practical and Precision Assessment (SPPA) strategy is an evidence-based approach for conducting impact assessments for SCH. The SPPA was identified by programme managers and SCH experts from the African region as a feasible and sufficiently accurate approach after reviewing and discussing the results of a multi-country study. This manual describes the resulting Practical and Precision Assessments approach and includes a discussion of the underlying concepts, factors to consider when determining what approach is appropriate, and how to interpret the collected data. The manual also includes annexes with standard operating procedures for conducting the stool and urine analyses.