Institution-based Network on China-Africa Cooperation for Schistosomiasis Elimination (INCAS): Driving schistosomiasis elimination in Africa

The burden of schistosomiasis remains a global public health problem,especially in sub-Saharan Africa despite progress in terms of morbidity control.Successful control efforts achieved by China in the last six decades came with considerable experience and lessons that could benefit schistosomiasis control programs in other endemic countries.China's role and commitment to global health cooperation has become increasingly important;this has created a platform for partnership with developing partners for the establishment of Forum on China-Africa health cooperation which prioritizes the pursuit of global elimination target for schistosomiasis and malaria,control of HIV/AIDS,and improved access to reproductive health care.Chinese government's commitment towards achieving schistosomiasis elimination in Africa prompted the establishment of Institution-based Network on China-Africa Cooperation for Schistosomiasis Elimination (INCAS),by the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases to promote schistosomiasis elimination in Africa.Schistosomiasis experts from six provincial institutions and counterparts from 10 African countries participated in the first workshop on China-Africa cooperation for Schistosomiasis Elimination in Africa at Lilongwe,Malawi,in 2015.Experts at the inaugural meeting shared experiences from their national schistosomiasis control programs,as well as identified areas for collaborative synergy targeting schistosomiasis elimination in Africa.The establishment of INCAS,which comprises of 28 member-institutions from China and Africa,was proposed at this meeting.We,therefore,provide information on INCAS activities,cooperation mechanism,as well as assess the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats as we target schistosomiasis elimination in Africa using the INCAS platform.

Distribution of Triatomines,the Vector of Chagas Disease--Southern China,2016−2018

What is already known on this topic?Triatomines,also known as kissing bugs,are widespread vectors for Chagas disease which affects 6-8 million people worldwide.Two species of triatomines have been previously reported in China.What is added by this report?This study showed data from the first investigation of triatomine distribution in China.Triatoma rubrofasciata and a novel species of triatomine in 170 habitats in 30 cities in southern China were recorded in this investigation.What are the implications for public health practice?Considering the worldwide spread of Chagas disease and new species of trypanosomiasis,strengthening the monitoring of triatomines and their associated diseases in southern China is vital to prevent and control these diseases.

Modelling the Ecological Suitability of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma rubrofasciata—China

Summary What is already known on this topic?Triatoma rubrofasciata is a potential vector that can transmit American trypanosomiasis and was widely recorded in South of China.What is added by this report?Because of the low density of the triatomines,more habitats have not been discovered.This study mainly focused on predicting the geographical distribution of T.rubrofasciata under current and future climatic conditions in China using the MaxEnt model.