Schistosomiasis in Tanzania is a devastating parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma worms, transmitted through contaminated freshwater.
With 90% of global cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania has the second-highest prevalence after Nigeria, affecting nearly 15 million people—about a quarter of the population. The disease thrives in rural areas with poor sanitation, particularly near Lake Victoria, where fishing and daily water use increase exposure.

Why Schistosomiasis Persists in Tanzania
Schistosomiasis remains entrenched in Tanzania due to a dangerous interplay of environmental, infrastructural, and socioeconomic factors. While the parasitic disease is preventable, decades of development challenges—from water infrastructure projects to unequal access to sanitation—have allowed transmission cycles to flourish.
Below, we examine the root causes that sustain schistosomiasis in Tanzania, from man-made waterways that boosted snail populations to daily survival practices that force communities into contact with contaminated water.
1. Environmental and Infrastructure Factors
- Irrigation & Dams: Expansion of agricultural water systems in the 1970s–80s created ideal habitats for parasite-carrying snails.
- Lake Victoria Dependence: In the Rorya District, communities rely on the lake for drinking, bathing, and fishing, leading to frequent reinfection.
2. Socioeconomic Barriers
- Limited WASH Access: 40% of Tanzanians lack safe drinking water; 60% lack proper sanitation.
- Occupational Hazards: Fishermen, farmers, and women fetching water face unavoidable exposure.
Current Interventions Against Schistosomiasis in Tanzania
Tanzania’s fight against schistosomiasis employs a dual strategy: medical treatment to combat existing infections and community empowerment to break the cycle of transmission. While mass drug administration reaches thousands, lasting success hinges on addressing the gap between clinical care and real-world behavior.
This section explores how Tanzania’s approach—from nationwide Praziquantel campaigns to grassroots education by organizations like Maji Safi Group—is evolving to meet these challenges, backed by data proving what works.
1. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) – A Partial Solution
The WHO recommends Praziquantel distribution, but challenges remain:
- Reinfection: People return to contaminated water sources.
- Low Adherence: Misinformation and lack of awareness reduce treatment uptake.
2. Maji Safi Group’s Community-Driven Approach
Since 2012, MSG has combated schistosomiasis in Tanzania through:
- Community Health Educators (CHEs): Local trainers educate villages on prevention, symptoms, and WASH practices.
- Participatory Research: Collaborations with fishermen (via Beach Management Units) to co-design solutions (2017).
- Hospital Partnerships: Joint testing/treatment campaigns with Shirati KMT Hospital (2022), reaching 2,000+ people.
3. Data-Backed Success: Health Screenings (2015–2019)
- 25,000+ tests revealed higher-than-national prevalence in Shirati.
- Proven Impact: Communities engaged in MSG programs showed significant infection reductions.
The Future of Schistosomiasis Control in Tanzania
Eliminating schistosomiasis in Tanzania demands more than temporary solutions—it requires systemic change. As the limitations of mass drug administration become clearer, the path forward lies in integrated, sustainable strategies that combine medical innovation, community-driven WASH programs, and policy reform.
This section explores Tanzania’s next-phase battle plan: from genomic research fine-tuning local interventions to global partnerships transforming sanitation infrastructure. The goal? To break the cycle of reinfection for good, ensuring that today’s treatments translate into lasting protection for future generations.
1. Beyond MDA: Integrated Strategies
- WASH Hubs: Community centers providing clean water + education on occupational risks.
- Genomic Research: Partnering with universities to study local transmission patterns.
2. Policy & Global Collaboration
- Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Advocating for national WASH infrastructure investments.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Elimination
Schistosomiasis in Tanzania is a complex crisis tied to poverty, water access, and behavior. While Praziquantel saves lives, long-term elimination requires:
- Community-led education (e.g., MSG’s CHEs).
- Improved sanitation (WASH Hubs, government policies).
- Multi-sector partnerships (hospitals, researchers, NGOs).
With sustained effort, Tanzania can break the cycle of reinfection and reduce the burden of this neglected tropical disease.