Before each parasitological survey, the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology (CSP) organized community sensitization meetings to ensure that all field activities were conducted transparently and in line with ethical standards.
In Bessoum, a community in the Lagdo Health District with a history of high schistosomiasis prevalence, the research team met with the village chief, parents, teachers and other community representatives ahead of the May 2026 field investigations. The meeting explained the study’s objectives, its expected public health benefits and the sample-collection procedures. It was led by Professor Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté, Director of the CSP and Permanent Secretary of the PNLSHI. He highlighted the persistent burden of schistosomiasis, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and the key role of community participation in research and national control efforts. The forum also allowed parents and leaders to ask questions and understand the study before giving informed consent for school-aged children. Such engagement is essential to ethical field research, building trust, transparency and collaboration with the communities it aims to benefit.
