Fascioliasis treatment in Bolivia - 2009
15 March 2010 | Geneva
Statistics released by the Bolivian Ministry of Health confirm that a total of 223,946 children (aged more than 5 years) and adults received triclabendazole treatment against fascioliasis in the region of La Paz in 2009. This compares with 71,456 children and adults who were treated in 2008
Treatment points were organized at health centres as well as on school, university, and club premises in order to reach the highest number of individuals. Social mobilization activities were in place before and during treatment.
About 500,000 tablets of triclabendazole were made available free of charge by Novartis Pharma AG. In all cases administration of these tablets was done under supervision, and a surveillance system was in place to detect and respond to adverse reactions.
Preventive chemotherapy against fascioliasis, at annual intervals, is now among the policies of the Ministry of Health in Bolivia.