Scabies prevalence drops by 83% in Solomon Islands following nationwide treatment campaigns

A new study published in the scientific journal Nature Health has revealed a major public health achievement in Solomon Islands, with scabies prevalence falling by 83% following two rounds of nationwide treatment campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes scabies as a neglected tropical disease and recommends community-wide treatment in areas where the disease is highly prevalent.

The study found that the proportion of people affected by scabies dropped from 23.2% in 2021 to just 3.9% in 2025. Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection often associated with scabies, also declined significantly, from 9.2% to 1.6% — an 82% reduction.

Scabies, a contagious skin disease that causes intense itching and discomfort, can lead to serious bacterial skin infections, particularly among children.

These improvements followed two rounds of mass drug administration conducted between 2022 and 2024, led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from the World Scabies Program. Trained health workers and community-based treatment teams delivered medicines to communities across the country, including remote and hard-to-reach areas.


A patient during a mass drug administration in Honiara 2024. Photo: World Scabies Program

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our frontline health workers and the strong support of communities across Solomon Islands. Together, we have made significant progress in reducing scabies and protecting families, especially children, from skin infections. Our priority now is to sustain these gains by strengthening early detection, treatment and community awareness so that everyone can enjoy healthier lives,” said Mr Morris Toiraena, Minister of Health and Medical Services.

WHO has supported Solomon Islands' efforts to control scabies through technical guidance, training support and disease surveillance, working alongside the MHMS and partners. Guided by WHO recommendations for scabies control, the nationwide treatment campaigns have substantially reduced scabies prevalence. WHO remains committed to supporting MHMS in strengthening neglected tropical disease control and sustaining progress towards healthier communities.

The study also found that scabies declined across all age groups. However, children under five remain particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for continued prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

The findings provide strong evidence that large-scale, community-based treatment campaigns can significantly reduce scabies and related skin infections, even in countries where reaching remote communities is challenging.