World First Prevalence Survey of Scabies Completed in French Polynesia

Published

Monday, December 4, 2023 - 12:00 PM

Over the last two months WSP has partnered with French Polynesia's Regulatory Agency for Public Health and Social Action to conduct the country's first prevalence survey of scabies and bacterial skin infection. The study was funded by WSP and the Pacific Fund.

A small team of skilled and enthusiastic French Polynesian doctors, nurses, and data officers were trained in research ethics, study methodology, and Child Safety.

Over three weeks, 1771 people of all ages were examined from randomly selected households across two islands (Tahiti and Mo'orea). The study team toiled in challenging conditions of blistering heat, downpours, and a lower house occupancy than anticipated. Scabies and bacterial skin infection were found to be problematic in all neighbourhoods. Results will be available in early 2024 and will inform French Polynesia's public health response.