Improving data on Taenia solium infections
Robust surveillance data is fundamental to assess disease burden, take action and evaluate progress of control actions. As for other neglected diseases which occur in underserved populations and remote areas, data is especially scarce. WHO counters this situation by collecting and mapping data on T. solium, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of the parasite, such as information on pig keeping, food safety and sanitation. This information for T. solium has been incorporated into the WHO Global Health Observatory.
Indicators are specific variables that assist with data analysis and provide tools for health authorities and people involved in disease control. WHO has defined a new set of indicators at country and global level for T. solium and is developing reporting systems to guide and assist the countries on data collection and reporting.
At global level, the indicators are 1- Number of endemic countries for T. solium, and 2- Number of countries with intensified control in hyper endemic areas for T. solium. Intensified control means implementation of core “rapid impact” interventions (treatment of human taeniasis and/or vaccination and mass treatment of pigs) as described on the Report of the WHO Expert Consultation on Foodborne Trematode Infections and Taeniasis/Cysticercosis
At country level there are epidemiological indicators and control progress indicators. The epidemiological indicators include a combination of passive and active surveillance. The control indicators include impact and outcome indicators.
