02816nas a2200457   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653002100086653003900107653003300146653002400179653002500203653002100228653002900249653002600278653003400304653002900338100001400367700001500381700001200396700001400408700001200422700001800434700001300452700001400465700001700479700001200496700001200508700001400520700002300534700001500557700001600572700001200588700001200600245012000612856007300732300000700805490000700812520152500819022001402344       2025                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10aSchistosomiasis 10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aPreventive chemotherapy (PC)10aOne Health approach10aMorbidity indicators10aDiagnostic tools10aMass drug administration10aZoonotic transmission10aWater, Sanitation and Hygiene10aIntermediate snail hosts1 aMwinzi PN1 aChimbari M1 aSylla K1 aOdiere MR1 aMidzi N1 aRuberanziza E1 aMupoyi S1 aMazigo HD1 aCoulibaly JT1 aEkpo UF1 aSacko M1 aNjenga SM1 aTchuem-Tchuenté L1 aGouvras AN1 aRollinson D1 aGarba A1 aJuma EA00aPriority knowledge gaps for schistosomiasis research and development in the World Health Organization Africa Region  uhttps://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40249-025-01285-w.pdf  a210 v143 a<p>Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a widespread neglected tropical disease (NTD) in Africa, with more significant research and development (R&amp;D) challenges and gaps compared to other preventive chemotherapy NTDs (PC-NTDs) like onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. In response to this challenge, some global initiatives have advocated for bridging this gap, focusing on coordinated engagement with research donors. In this opinion article we highlight key R&amp;D priorities for combating schistosomiasis in the WHO Africa region. These include defining morbidity indicators, expanding prevention, and developing innovative diagnostics, treatments, and public health strategies like test-and-treat. We emphasize integrating efforts with broader health campaigns, assessing zoonotic transmission through One Health, and using environmental surveillance tools like xenomonitoring and eDNA. We stress the need to study climate and environmental impacts on transmission, zoonotic transmission, schistosome hybridization, and snail ecology, advancing snail control, and developing vaccines, while calling for new treatments beyond praziquantel, addressing drug resistance, and improving access for children and remote populations. Further, operational research should refine hotspot interventions, enhance water, sanitation and hygiene&nbsp;integration, and address socio-cultural barriers. Lastly, sustainable funding and global collaboration are vital to achieve 2030 NTD Roadmap goals.</p>
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