In crowded homes, schools, and refugee camps across Africa, an itchy, persistent skin condition silently affects millions. Caused by microscopic mites burrowing into the skin, Scabies can lead to severe infections and complications if left untreated.
The word is from Latin: scabere, ‘to scratch’. Obviously, the most common symptoms are severe itchiness. Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the top layer of the skin to lay eggs. In a first-ever infection, the infected person usually develops symptoms within two to six weeks. During a second infection, symptoms may begin within 24 hours. Close personal contact is the main mode of transmission, which is why households, dormitories and refugee camps see rapid spread. Shared bedding, clothing and towels further increase the risk.
In African contexts, socio-economic factors compound the problem. Many families live in overcrowded homes with limited access to clean water, making it difficult to keep the hygiene necessary to prevent infestations. In schools, lack of resources for regular cleaning or treatment means outbreaks can persist for months.
Scabies in Africa: a neglected but widespread skin disease
Scabies is considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). Children are among the most affected, often suffering repeated infestations in schools and households. The disease is not life-threatening on its own, but scratching caused by intense itching can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which in turn can trigger serious complications such as kidney inflammation or sepsis.
In many rural areas, Scabies is treated as just an irritating rash, but the health impact goes far beyond itching. Repeated infections can weaken immunity and affect school attendance, productivity and social life.
Why Scabies remains prevalent across African countries?
As it was mentioned above, the persistence of Scabies is linked to limited access to healthcare and low awareness of treatment options. Topical creams and oral medications are often unavailable or unaffordable in rural areas. Cultural misconceptions and stigma can also delay treatment, as people may hide symptoms to avoid embarrassment. Furthermore, Scabies control has historically received less attention compared to infectious diseases such as malaria or HIV, resulting in gaps in public health programs and surveillance.
How to control and prevent Scabies in Africa
But health authorities and NGOs are working to change this. Mass drug administration programs using oral ivermectin have proven effective in reducing prevalence in endemic areas. Community education campaigns teach families how to recognize symptoms early, avoid sharing clothing and bedding, and maintain skin hygiene. Schools and community centers are key partners in these efforts, as interventions at the household level alone are often insufficient.
Experts emphasize that long-term control requires integration into national health strategies. Access to treatment, combined with improved living conditions, hygiene education, and regular surveillance is essential to break the cycle of infestation and reinfection. Scabies will continue to undermine health and quality of life in African countries if we —coordinated action from governments, NGOs, and communities work— don’t work on its control. With your help the goal may be much closer.
