Early detection of schistosomiasis could save nearly €60 million in the Barcelona metropolitan area alone

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and other countries in Latin America and Asia, is emerging as a public health issue in Europe. According to studies conducted by researchers at the Fight Infections Foundation, it is estimated that up to 35% of the migrant population from sub-Saharan Africa living in Europe may have this infection in its chronic stage. That is, nearly 3.8 million people.

In Spain, around 150,000 people could be affected, while in Catalonia the figure could reach 27,000. However, the number of people living with this parasite may be even higher, as the infection does not only affect migrant populations but also travellers visiting these countries.

Schistosomiasis is acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater, mainly in rivers and lakes where the parasite’s larvae live and penetrate the skin. With the arrival of summer and the increase in international travel to endemic countries, experts highlight the importance of taking this risk into account from a preventive perspective.

Early detection and treatment could save more than €2,000 per patient

Beyond its impact on health, schistosomiasis also represents a significant economic burden on the healthcare system. When the disease is diagnosed late, the treatment of complications can reach an average of €2,400 per person. By contrast, with early detection, this cost falls to around €360 per person, representing savings of more than €2,000 per patient.

According to recent estimates, implementing early diagnosis programmes could generate savings of up to €58 million in the Barcelona metropolitan area, highlighting the significant economic impact of the underdiagnosis of this disease.

Early detection prevents serious complications and improves health equity

Despite its impact, according to the Foundation’s researchers, schistosomiasis remains underdiagnosed. The infection can go unnoticed for years and lead to serious long-term complications, such as liver, kidney or urinary tract damage, as well as affecting sexual and reproductive health.

Treatment for schistosomiasis is simple, safe and low-cost, but its effectiveness largely depends on early diagnosis. Detecting the infection in time prevents complications and improves the quality of life of affected individuals.

In this regard, experts underline the need to promote screening strategies and a comprehensive socio-healthcare approach that takes into account barriers to accessing the healthcare system and the specific needs of migrant populations, including a gender perspective and cultural diversity.

Innovation, key to improving disease diagnosis

One of the main challenges in controlling schistosomiasis in non-endemic countries is the difficulty of detecting the infection in its chronic stages. In this context, the development of new, more sensitive diagnostic tests represents a very important opportunity to improve detection and facilitate the implementation of more effective screening strategies.

These advances, together with greater awareness and the integration of screening into clinical practice, could change the approach to this disease in Europe and reduce its impact in the coming years.

To achieve this, the Fight Infections Foundation has launched the Schisto Zero campaign, an initiative funded by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, through the 0.7% tax allocation from personal income tax and corporate tax.

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