THE CONTRIBUTION OF HEALTH SYSTEM STAKEHOLDERS ON THE PREVENTION OF GUINEA WORM DISEASE IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS IN LAFON AND TONJ EAST, SOUTH SUDAN. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70659/gjhib.v2i2.23Keywords:
Health system stakeholders, Prevention of Guinea Worm Disease (GWD), Guinea Worm Disease in humans, Lafon, South SudanAbstract
Background.
Eradicating Guinea worm disease (GWD) is a critical global public health goal that requires collaborative efforts from diverse stakeholders. This parasitic disease, once widespread, is now on the brink of eradication thanks to sustained efforts by governments, international organizations, and community leaders. This study examined the contribution of health system stakeholders and the prevention of GWD in humans and animals in Lafon and Tonj East, South Sudan.
Methodology.
A descriptive study design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with 150 participants, including healthcare providers and residents of Lafan and Tonji Counties. Statistical analyses were conducted using regression models and correlation matrices to evaluate the relationship between the GWD prevention strategies.
Results.
47 (32%) of the participants had known GWD for 2-5 years, and 20 (29%) had a secondary education. Approximately 82.4% of the variance in behavior change effectiveness (R Square = 0.772, Adjusted R Square = 0.662). Notably, each component of the health systems stakeholder’s strategy contributed positively to prevention showing the strongest influence (Coefficient = 0.313, p < 0.001), followed by UN and partners' (Coefficient = 0.291, p < 0.001), and access to knowledge provided by NGOs' (Coefficient = 0.284, p < 0.001).
Conclusion.
No evidence of association was found between health system stakeholders and the adoption of GWD prevention strategies.
Recommendations.
People involved in Guinea worm eradication should be recognized for their role in reducing the spread of the disease. The last recognition was done in 2017 by the crown prince of the Court of United Arab Emirates. This should be done more often.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Makoy Samuel Yibi Logora, Kateregga Salongo, Dr. Denis Mubiru, Dr. Sendagi Mohammed
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