The Stakeholders’ Views on Planting Trees to Control Schistosomiasis in China

Abstract

China has initiated a tree planting program in epidemic regions of schistosomiasis as a part of efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis. More than 518,900 ha of tree plantations have been planted through the program between 2006 and 2015. However, whether the planting program has fulfilled its mission or not is an open question. In this study, we intended to get the answer from the main stakeholders of the planting program through a large-scale survey. Based on interviews with 80 administrators of the planting program and 1440 farmers in 24 counties and districts in four provinces, we found that most stakeholders viewed the planting program positively. Nearly 92% of farmers and all administrators believed that the planting program had reduced snail densities, while 94.3% of farmers and all administrators believed that the program had lowered the incidences of schistosomiasis. In addition, they reported that the impacts on farmers’ living and local environments by the tree planting program were mainly positive. Based on the stakeholders’ responses, we conclude that the tree planting program has been perceived by the main stakeholders as an effective environmental control measure of schistosomiasis. However, certain places and people that may be impacted negatively by the program should be given more attention when implementing the program.

Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Schistosomiasis Epidemic Based on Precise Identification of Oncomelania hupensis Breeding Grounds—A Case Study of Dongting Lake Area

“…As the main carrier for the development and spread of the epidemic, land is a comprehensive expression of a region’s social and natural attributes and can significantly inhibit or promote the prevalence and breeding of the epidemic. The functional nature of the land affects the type of cover on its surface, which can positively or negatively impact snail and schistosome populations [ 53 ].…”

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

“…Prior to data collection, mathematical modelling can inform on optimal study sample sizes, sampling frequencies, and target participant groups necessary to accurately estimate parameters (15). Next, in collaboration with stakeholders, optimal and accepted epidemiological and biological data collection can be undertaken (16)(17)(18). To complete the understanding of disease transmission dynamics and to predict impacts of interventions, mathematical models calibrated to, and informed by, available data provide quantitative evidence, capable of informing both clinical trials and the final implementation of large-scale interventions, thus making these critical aspects of disease control more ethical and effective in the long-term.…”

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

“…Prior to data collection, mathematical modelling can inform on optimal study sample sizes, sampling frequencies, and target participant groups necessary to accurately estimate parameters (15). Next, in collaboration with stakeholders, optimal and accepted epidemiological and biological data collection can be undertaken (16,17,18). To complete the understanding of disease transmission dynamics and to predict impacts of interventions, mathematical models calibrated to, and informed by, available data provide quantitative evidence, capable of informing both clinical trials and the final implementation of large-scale interventions, thus making these critical aspects of disease control more ethical and effective in the long-term.…”