A tale of a man, a worm and a snail : the schistosomiasis control initiative

Schistosomiasis is Africa's second most common parasitic disease. Less than 20 years ago, over 200 million were infected. In many high-risk areas the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) has been helping to tackle the disease by offering treatments to millions of children. This book tells the story of a man, Alan Fenwick, who founded the SCI to control the worms and snails and so improving the lives of many burdened with the disease as well as reducing the numbers infected. Over this period SCI and the Ministries of Health and Education in 16 countries delivered over 220 million treatments. Treatment coverage of up to 75% has been achieved. Widely recognized as a cost-effective and successful intervention, SCI's knock-on effects include improving overall physical health, school attendance and future prospects for millions of people. The authors explore the work and experiences involved in forming, establishing and managing a health intervention system such as the SCI, while describing important lessons for anyone looking to replicate the success. This book covers: Challenges faced and how the SCI overcame them to achieve its success; Raising funds to deliver donated medicines; Development of innovative partnerships; Cultivation of working relationships and implementation across Africa; A new model for treating other Neglected Tropical Disease programs (NTDs); Aspects of Alan's life in Africa told with memorable and often humorous anecdotes. A Tale of a Man, a Worm and a Snail is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, health professionals and students of NTD control. The book is an enlightening, informative and enjoyable read for anyone interested in global health. A Tale of a Man, a Worm and a Snail: The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative Copyright Contents Dedication Foreword Foreword: Changing People’s Lives Preface Acknowledgements Prologue: An Elephant Study by a Lake Sets Me on a New Path 1 My Early Years, My Education and My First Job 2 Schistosomiasis and the Amazing Life Cycle of a Killer Worm 3 Coming of Age in Tanzania – Arusha, 1966–1971 4 Research, Training and Drug Testing in Sudan, 1971–1988 5 Assisting the Control of Bilharzia in Egypt, 1988–2002 6 An Ambitious Programme for Africa (from 2002) 7 Establishing SCI – The Early Days, 2002–2003 8 The Big Three versus NTDs – Finding Common Purpose 9 Planning for Success 10 Across Borders – Implementing Schistosomiasis Control from East to West Africa 11 Schistosomiasis – Mapping the Disease 12 Drugs – Mobilizing the African Marketplace to Paralyse the Worm 13 Advocacy and Promotion of SCI Activity 14 M&E – What Is Measured, and Reaching Out to Donors 15 Building Partnerships – High Stakes for High Rewards 16 The SCI Target – Low Infection Rates 17 Research – Forewarned is Forearmed 18 Recognition for SCI Work 19 Accelerating Control of NTDs and Schistosomiasis in Particular, 2008–2020 20 The Last Mile 21 What Next for Alan? Appendix: Honourable Mentions References Index CH021.pdf What Next for Alan? Life in Retirement: Teaching, the Rotary, Golf and Holidays in Africa Golf Rotary But Who Anticipated Covid-19? Living in a bubble in Chalfont St Giles Golf and Rotary in lockdown Appendix.pdf Appendix: Honourable Mentions Margie Wright – born Wright and always wRight! Professor George Stanley Nelson (1923–2009) Joe Cook – a life-changing acquaintance and friend What a working partnership and friendship – David Molyneux, Peter Hotez and Eric Ottesen DFID minister and staff supporting NTDs The World Health Organization UNICEF and others Memorial to Dr Kyelem, Burkina Faso Individual Philanthropists Giving What We Can, Good Ventures, MaxMind and Luke Ding Legatum, Geneva Global and the END Fund Mike Hauser, the racing vet comes into my life The three wise men of schistosomiasis – Andrew Davis, Pip Jordan and Gerry Webbe The West’s Lopsided View of Africa Note Appendix.pdf Appendix: Honourable Mentions Margie Wright – born Wright and always wRight! Professor George Stanley Nelson (1923–2009) Joe Cook – a life-changing acquaintance and friend What a working partnership and friendship – David Molyneux, Peter Hotez and Eric Ottesen DFID minister and staff supporting NTDs The World Health Organization UNICEF and others Memorial to Dr Kyelem, Burkina Faso Individual Philanthropists Giving What We Can, Good Ventures, MaxMind and Luke Ding Legatum, Geneva Global and the END Fund Mike Hauser, the racing vet comes into my life The three wise men of schistosomiasis – Andrew Davis, Pip Jordan and Gerry Webbe The West’s Lopsided View of Africa Note Schistosomiasis is Africa's second most common parasitic disease. Less than 20 years ago, over 200 million were infected. In many high-risk areas the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) has been helping to tackle the disease by offering treatments to millions of children. This book tells the story of a man, Alan Fenwick, who founded the SCI to control the worms and snails and so improve the lives of many burdened with the disease as well as reducing the numbers infected. Over this period SCI and the Ministries of Health and Education in 16 countries delivered over 220 million treatments. Treatment coverage of up to 75% has been achieved. Widely recognised as a cost-effective and successful intervention, SCI's knock-on effects include improving overall physical health, school attendance and future prospects for millions of people. The authors explore the work and experiences involved in forming, establishing and managing a health intervention system such as the SCI, while describing important lessons for anyone looking to replicate the success. This book covers: - Challenges faced and how the SCI overcame them to achieve its success; - Raising funds to deliver donated medicines; - Development of innovative partnerships; - Cultivation of working relationships and implementation across Africa; - A new model for other Neglected Tropical Disease programmes (NTDs); - Aspects of Alan's life in Africa told with memorable and often humorous anecdotes. A Tale of a Man, a Worm and a Snail is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, health professionals and students of NTD control. The book is an enlightening, informative and enjoyable read for anyone interested in global health. "Schistosomiasis is Africa's second most prevalent infectious disease after malaria and is a neglected tropical disease. This book offers a unique perspective on a successful health initiative that can serve as a model for other diseases. It will be of interest to those working in global health and disease control"-- Provided by publisher