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Article History

Received: 8 July 2024

Accepted: 11 December 2024

First Online: 29 January 2025

Declarations

:

: The authors declare no competing interests.

: Ethical clearance and approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of Anambra State owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka, the State Capital with approval letter number COOUTH/AC/Vol. XI/00013. Permission for access to the schools in order to carry out the study was obtained from the Anambra State’s Commissioner of Basic Education with approval letter number MOE/SCHD/1673/Vol.1/17, Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and Educational Secretary in charge of primary schools in the study area. Parents, guardians, teachers and other key stakeholders including traditional ruler and town union leaders were sensitized during advocacy visits to the community selected for the study. Informed consent (written and verbal) was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s). To ensure the willingness of pupils to participate, assent was obtained from them at every step by providing age-appropriate information, and addressing questions and concerns, all while maintaining open communication throughout the study. There was an emphasis that participation was voluntary and participants are free to withdraw from the study at any time without further obligations. Permission to take photographs was sought and obtained from the participants and parents. Written consent was obtained, explicitly acknowledging that the images might be utilized to illustrate risk factors in scientific publications. All infected pupils included in the study underwent treatment with Praziquantel and Albendazole.

: All authors of this manuscript have given their approval for its publication.