Programme Assessment of Schistosomiasis Preventive Chemotherapy Coverage in School Communities in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel is the mainstay of schistosomiasis control in school-age children, yet achieving and sustaining therapeutic coverage above 75 percent in endemic communities requires robust programme management, drug supply reliability, and community engagement. This study assesses preventive chemotherapy coverage for schistosomiasis in school communities in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A programme evaluation using a cross-sectional design was conducted in 35 primary schools across Argungu, Koko-Besse, and Maiyama Local Government Areas, which border the Sokoto-Rima river system. Data were obtained from school deworming registers, teacher interviews, caregiver recall surveys involving 350 parents, and drug distribution records from the State NTD programme. Coverage rates were computed and stratified by school location, gender, age group, and proximity to endemic water bodies. Evidence from 2020 to 2024 identifies Kebbi State as one of the high-burden schistosomiasis states in Nigeria, with programme coverage often falling below WHO-recommended thresholds due to drug stockouts and inadequate community mobilisation. This study identifies specific coverage gaps and community-level barriers to treatment uptake, producing an operational evidence base for programme managers. Recommendations will be submitted to the Kebbi State NTD Control Programme and the Federal Ministry of Health for immediate programmatic action. Keywords: schistosomiasis, preventive chemotherapy, praziquantel, school coverage, Kebbi State.