Scabies: Training of health workers at national and district levels on skin-NTDs

Scabies occurs worldwide. Over 200 million people worldwide are affected at any one time. The disease is endemic in many resource-poor tropical countries, with an estimated average prevalence of 5 – 10% in children. It is especially common in communities where overcrowding and poverty coexist, and where there is limited access to treatment. This course addresses the epidemiology of scabies, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, socioeconomic impact, and public health interventions.

Scabies can be diagnosed or highly suspected at the peripheral health level. Effective treatment exists for individuals affected, including the persons closely in touch with a patient, and the communities through mass drug administration. The aim of the course is to provide information about scabies to increase knowledge and skills of national and front-line health workers to address this disease.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the epidemiology of scabies;
• Describe the clinical aspects;
• Understand how the diagnosis is made;
• Explain how to treat scabies;
• Understand the socioeconomic impact; and
• Describe the public health interventions.