The MRCG LSHTM’s response came in the wake of reports by The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) of a scabies outbreak in a boarding school in Brufut.
In a dispatch sent, it is indicated that epidemiologists from MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM) immediately engaged with the Brufut Health Centre, and the Regional Health Directorate Western Region to assess the scale of the outbreak and determine areas where the Unit could provide support.
“On Thursday, 29 June 2025, Dr Francis Oko, Clinical Trial Coordinator at MRCG, joined representatives from the Brufut Clinic and the regional health directorate to deliver a consignment of treatment and hygiene supplies to the affected school to support immediate intervention and long-term prevention efforts.”
“60 bottles of Benzyl Benzoate lotion, plastic washing bowls, bars of washing soap and bottles of bleach were donated on behalf of MRCG at LSHTM. During the visit, Dr Oko and the accompanying team engaged with heads of the Qur’anic boarding school to sensitise them on scabies transmission, treatment, and prevention strategies. The discussion emphasised the importance of early treatment, good personal hygiene, and regular laundering of clothing and bedding to minimise the spread.”
“Scabies infection, a skin disease characterised by popular skin rash and itching, is often spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.”
“Clothing and bedding can contribute significantly to the spread, especially in shared living environments like boarding schools”, explained Dr Francis Oko. In addition to anti-scabies treatment, maintaining proper personal hygiene is essential to prevent reinfection and wider transmission," he added.
“This intervention builds on MRCG’s long-standing studies on scabies prevention and treatment in The Gambia. The Unit recently concluded a clinical study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the drug ivermectin for the treatment of scabies in children under 15 kilograms, a group excluded from treatment with oral ivermectin due to lack of safety data. The findings are expected to expand safe treatment options for vulnerable young children.”
“While this intervention provided urgent relief, it also highlights the need for long-term, systemic solutions. MRCG encourages state institutions, schools, and development partners to consider this outbreak a reminder of the importance of hygiene infrastructure, health education, and preventive care, particularly in high-risk communal settings like boarding schools.”
‘MRCG at LSHTM remains committed to supporting public health in The Gambia through research, partnership, and timely response.”
