Making Use of Oral History as a Method to Study Effective Measures to Eradicate Schistosomiasis Japonica: Analyzing the Case of the Chikugo River Basin in Kyûshû, Japan

According to the WHO, at least 258 million people required preventive treatment for schistosomiasis in 2014. In addition to the major strategy of mass drug administration, other measures are necessary. In the past, Japan had endemic areas of schistosomiasis but it was eradicated. The purpose of this study is to introduce new information about the successful case in Chikugo river basin in Kyûshû to the researchers and policy-makers who discuss the most suitable measures in the disease-endemic areas in developing countries. To collect historical evidence, literature was reviewed and to corroborate that with more focused oral history, interviews with local people were performed. Qualitative data was analyzed by creating a fishbone diagram. As a result, new information was acquired on such issues as education methods and active community participation. Furthermore, there was a correspondence with the key elements of the global strategic framework of Integrated Vector Management by the WHO. Some measures could be adapted to the conditions in the current disease-endemic areas.