Precision mapping: An innovative tool and way forward to shrink the map, better target interventions, and accelerate toward the elimination of schistosomiasis

Limitations and uncertainties of the current mapping design for schistosomiasisIn the current World Health Organization-recommended (WHO) mapping design, in each health district (i.e., the implementation unit), a sub-sample of up to five schools and 50 children per school are selected for parasitological surveys.The eligibility of the district for PC is then determined by the mean prevalence that allows the entire district to be classified as nonendemic (= 0%), low (<10%), moderate (!10% to <50%), or high risk (!50%) for schistosomiasis [1].Although this approach has been suitable in the past, within the context of morbidity control and paucity of drug availability and funding, it is currently not suitable for achieving the schistosomiasis elimination goal and WHO roadmap targets.Indeed, due to the high focality of schistosomiasis transmission and its dependence on several epidemiological