Introduction

The Triad Institute for Health Research and Development (TIHRAD) continues to strengthen community-based One Health research through its commitment to understanding and addressing emerging infectious disease threats at the human–animal–environment interface.

As part of this mission, TIHRAD is supporting a research project led by Principal Investigator, Habeebullah Oladipo, titled:

“Assessing Community Awareness and Practices for Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis at the Human–Wildlife–Vector Interface in Northwestern Nigeria”

The project is funded by the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH).

The project focuses on zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), a neglected tropical disease transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies and sustained through complex interactions among humans, wildlife reservoirs, and environmental conditions.

Despite increasing reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis in parts of Northwestern Nigeria, there remains limited community-level evidence on the ecological and behavioural factors driving disease transmission.

This community-based initiative seeks to investigate how local environmental conditions, wildlife interactions, housing structures, sanitation practices, and community knowledge contribute to the spread of ZCL in Sokoto State. By generating evidence on community awareness, treatment-seeking behaviour, and prevention practices, the study aims to support the development of context-specific public health interventions and strengthen preparedness against neglected tropical diseases in vulnerable rural populations.

The project reflects TIHRAD’s broader commitment to advancing One Health research, promoting community engagement, and supporting evidence-based policies that improve human, animal, and environmental health outcomes across Nigeria.

Project Design

Study Area

The study will be conducted in Sokoto State, located in Northwestern Nigeria. Specifically, the research will focus on three Local Government Areas (LGAs): Sokoto South, Wammako, and Kware, which have been identified as hyperendemic areas with documented cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Sokoto State lies within the semi-arid ecological zone of Nigeria and experiences a hot climate characterized by prolonged dry seasons, limited rainfall, and environmental conditions favourable for sandfly survival and transmission.

The communities are largely rural, with residents relying on farming, herding, hunting, and other outdoor livelihood activities that increase exposure to vectors and wildlife reservoirs.

The selected communities are also characterized by:

• Poor sanitation
• Indiscriminate refuse disposal
• Rodent burrows
• Mud-walled housing structures
• Limited access to healthcare services

These conditions create ideal breeding environments for sandflies and increase the risk of zoonotic transmission of Leishmania parasites.

By focusing on communities at the human–wildlife–vector interface, the project seeks to understand how environmental and behavioural factors contribute to sustaining local disease transmission cycles.

Study Design

To investigate the transmission dynamics of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sokoto State, the study will employ a mixed-method cross-sectional design integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Quantitative Component

The quantitative component will involve structured questionnaire surveys among adult community members to assess:

• Knowledge of cutaneous leishmaniasis
• Attitudes toward disease prevention
• Environmental risk factors
• Sandfly ecology awareness
• Prevention and control practices

Qualitative Component

The qualitative component will involve focus group discussions to explore:

• Local perceptions of disease transmission
• Wildlife interactions
• Seasonal patterns of vector presence
• Treatment-seeking behaviour
• Community experiences with disease prevention

The study will recruit approximately 427 participants across the three selected Local Government Areas.

Participants will include individuals whose occupations and daily activities increase exposure to sandflies and wildlife reservoirs, particularly:

• Farmers
• Hunters
• Herders
• Rural residents living near high-risk ecological zones

Data collected from the study will help identify:

• Ecological and behavioural drivers of disease transmission
• Gaps in community awareness
• Barriers to prevention
• Challenges related to healthcare access

Conclusion

Through this project, TIHRAD continues to advance its mission of promoting community-driven One Health research that addresses emerging infectious disease threats in Nigeria.

By investigating zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis at the human–wildlife–vector interface in Sokoto State, the project aims to provide actionable evidence that supports prevention, strengthens surveillance, and improves health outcomes among vulnerable rural populations.

The initiative further reinforces TIHRAD’s commitment to bridging research, community engagement, and policy action in addressing neglected tropical diseases and advancing global health security.