Epidemiology Report

            The Weekly Epidemiology Report published on January 11^th, 2013 contains information regarding the monitoring and evaluation of preventative chemotherapy. According to Crompton (2006) preventative chemotherapy is the use of anthelminthic drugs, either alone or in combination, as a public health tool against helminth infections. Promoted by the World Health Organization and fundamental for ascertain program progress toward achieving established goals, monitoring and evaluating preventative chemotherapy activities can lead to enhanced effectiveness of health care and better use of limited resources thereby allowing more at risk individuals to be reached. (World Health Organization, 2013) Core sets of standardized tools are utilized to ensure reports are conducted properly and thus allowing a more accurate specification of intended diseases and a higher quality of the interventions involved.  

            All drug coverage reports, disease-specific guidelines, and data pertaining to monitoring and evaluation of preventative chemotherapy is provided in the public domain of the World Health Organization website. Although significant efforts are required to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of preventative chemotherapy, more than 700 million individuals have been reported as having received preventative treatment at least once in a twelve month period. (World Health Organization, 2013) The study of a large number of individuals over an extended period of time matched with reliable monitoring and evaluation practices will generate conclusive evidence in determining the desired impact of preventative chemotherapy. Up-to-date epidemiology progress information is imperative in estimating the annual percentage of the population that has or potentially will need to receive treatment. However, while substantial progress has been made in recent years, a number of key challenges remain to be overcome in order to further accelerate roll out and scale-up of preventative chemotherapy interventions worldwide. (World Health Organization, 2013)   

            After reading the issue that epidemiologists are concerned about this week it is clear to say that the measurements and information provided by investigations through ways of monitoring and evaluating preventative chemotherapy treatment is important in the effort to control and eliminate specific diseases. Despite the need for a few minor improvements and availability of more resources, monitoring and evaluation practices are distinguished as an essential component of the global response to treatment coverage.  The continuation of these practices will allow for great success in achieving any milestones and goals set for the future.

For more information on this article please visit the references below:

Crompton, D. (2006). Preventive chemotherapy in human helminthiasis: Coordinated use of anthelminthic drugs in control interventions- a manual for health professionals and programme manager. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

World Health Organization. (2013). Monitoring and evaluation of preventive chemotherapy. Weekly Epidemiological Record, 88(2), 17-28. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/wer/2013/wer8802.pdf