Evaluation

To assess filarial exposure in the study population and mosquito infection status prior to and after the start of intensified malaria control interventions.

To compare the performance of antigen (FTS) and antibody (Wb123 monoplex) tools in programmatic settings (TAS).

To evaluate strategies to improve the sensitivity of the TAS for detecting evidence of recent lymphatic filariasis transmission in an evaluation unit (EU). The TAS Strengthening Study in American Samoa is designed to assess additional indicators that may be added to the current TAS platform in order to strengthen the resulting stopping or surveillance decisions. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to understand the correlation between antigen and antibody in adults and children with the mosquito data. A spatial analysis looking at microfoci of infection will also be conducted.  Xenomonitoring work to assess Aedes mosquitoes is underway.

The results from this study will be combined into a multi-country analysis and are expected to help inform WHO guidance on stopping and surveillance for LF. 

The TUMIKIA Project aims to determine whether combining school- and community-based deworming is more effective at controling and eliminating soil-transmitted helminths (STH or intestinal worms) in Kenya than school-based deworming alone. 

The two-year trial will provide the drug albendazole to all residents from 150 communities in Kwale County, Kenya. There are three study groups:

1. Base: annual school-based deworming (ages 2-14)
2. Increased coverage: annual school- and community-based deworming (ages 2-99)
3. Increased coverage and frequency: bi-annual school- and community-based deworming (ages 2-99)

TUMIKIA stands for 'Tuangamize Minyoo Kenya Imarisha Afya,' which means “eradicate worms in Kenya to improve health,” in Swahili. 

Download the TUMIKIA Research Brief [pdf]

To study the feasibility of LF and Oncho (Filariases) integrated transmission assessment survey (F-TAS)  according to both LF and Onchocerciasis  WHO elimination guidelines

To determine if there is evidence of ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Mindoro Oriental, following a TAS 2 failure.

To compare the feasibility and programmatic implications of employing the Supervisor's Coverage Tool in schools vs. communities to monitor a school-based MDA.

To determine the feasibility and best practices of using the Supervisor's Coverage Tool to monitor community and school-based distribution and integrated MDA.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships among clinical signs (follicular trachoma) and the prevalence of infection and antibody and to determine whether it may be appropriate to consider one or more alternative indicators for deciding whether trachoma programs can stop MDA.

To determine the feasibility of the use of entomological traps by community members for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis entomological assessments.