Effectiveness over 10 years (2004-2014) of the e chinococcosis control progamme in China ： Impact on humans and dogs population interventions

Background A national control program for echinococcosis has been in effect since 2005 in China. This program has applied a comprehensive strategy, and good control results have been achieved. The objective of this study is focusing on the effectiveness of the programme with two indices, including patients treatment and registered dogs deworming, in endemic areas of echincoccosis control over the period of 10 years (2004-2014) in China. Methods 10 provinces and autonomous regions of China were chosen for this study and a database was established that included demography at county and township levels, grouping available patients into those subjected to surgery and those receiving drug treatment after population screening. All statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel software and SPSS software and the results are shown as percentages with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results The study showed that over this period, the coverage rate (the grant total average rate) of surgical patient (after surgical operation) treatment had increased with 32.4% and with 81.3% for medical treatment with albendazole. Meanwhile, it increased by 58.6% for the deworming of registered dog since 2007. The accumulated costs amounted to US$ 27.03 million after discount for patients and registered dog treatment, which is 1/4 (27.03/110.67) of the total accumulated financial inputs (US$ 110.67 million from the Chinese Government. Since the implementation of the national program, it has increased 57 times (1705.9/30.1=57) with respect to the annual financial inputs (costs) and 368 times (11,067.9/30.1=368) with respect to all accumulated financial inputs (costs). Conclusions As found through this study, it is suggested that more attention should be paid to controlling wild canines during the ongoing program period and sustainable follow-up evaluations are crucial for success and continued implementation of the national program, which will be necessary until the disease is under control and has been eliminated in all endemic areas of China.