Assessing the Efficacy and Sustainability of Mass Drug Administration Strategies for Controlling and Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Endemic Regions: A Systematic Review
Vivian Ukamaka Nwokedi
*
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Aham Christopher
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Okabeonye Sunday Agbo
Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria.
Bolanle Aderonke Omotoso
Department of Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria.
Princess Chioma Ireh
Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria.
Adesuwa Benedicta Osunde
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Science, Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu Ile- Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to affect over a billion people globally, contributing to significant public health challenges, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) has been a cornerstone strategy for controlling and eliminating NTDs, yet its sustainability remains uncertain.
This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and sustainability of MDA strategies in controlling and eliminating NTDs in endemic regions in terms of long-term impact, community engagement, and logistical feasibility.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, identifying studies published from 2010 to the search date (August 15, 2025). Studies were included based on pre-established criteria focusing on MDA strategies for NTD control.
The included studies consistently demonstrated that MDA significantly reduces the prevalence of NTDs such as schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and lymphatic filariasis. However, challenges such as low participation in mobile populations, logistical barriers, and misconceptions were identified as major obstacles. The sustainability of MDA programs remains a concern, with gaps in infrastructure and community engagement.
MDA remains a highly effective strategy for controlling NTDs, but its long-term success is threatened by logistical and socio-economic barriers. Sustainable MDA programs must integrate community engagement, education, improved infrastructure, and robust surveillance systems to ensure continued success in NTD elimination.
Keywords: Mass drug administration, neglected tropical diseases, sustainability, public health, efficacy, community engagement, infrastructure, MDA strategies