Learn about WSP and our approach to controlling scabies

The inaugural Regional Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) Meeting for the Pacific Islands recently took place in Sydney, Australia.

During the meeting, WSP team members from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Melbourne presented our program experiences on scabies elimination efforts to date with a special focus on urban MDA implementation and its challenges. This was the first time WSP team members from Fiji and Solomon Islands came together in person. The meeting was a great opportunity to discuss key priorities moving forward for the Pacific Island NTD community.

The Fiji WSP team has recently completed a mass drug administration (MDA) in Matuku Island and Totoya Island in integration with the Lymphatic Filariasis Unit from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
The teams worked hard to successfully visit all four villages in Totoya and all seven villages in Matuku despite experiencing unfavourable weather conditions. Well done to all the staff and volunteers involved in completing this MDA in such a timely and efficient manner.

Earlier this month, the Solomon Islands WSP team in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical services completed the post MDA prevalence survey training. The WSP Program Lead and Senior Program Officer travelled from the Melbourne office to attend the trainings in the Solomon Islands.

Nurses were trained on clinical skin examinations for scabies and infection, field communications, consent and survey logistics. Data collectors were trained on how to use a survey tool called Redcap in order to collect survey data on electronic tablets. The scabies prevalence survey is part of an integrated survey with trachoma and yaws. A big congratulations to all involved!