Prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis: Technical Report Series N°912

Overview

It has now been accepted that infections caused by soil-transmitted nematodes are a major public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly among the poorest of the poor in all developing countries. It has also become clear, however, that cost-effective solutions to the problem are available.

The endemicity of schistosomiasis presents a dual picture. Many control programmes have been, and continue to be, successful in reducing mortality, morbidity, and transmission, to the extent that it is now possible to contemplate elimination of the disease. However, schistosomiasis remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in a number of countries, notably those of sub-Saharan Africa.

WHO’s Member States have proposed a combined approach to morbidity control in both schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis, since the tools and the target groups are similar. The price of Praziquantel and other anthelminthics has now decreased to a level at which it should no longer deter Member States from making these drugs available to people in endemic areas. Regular treatment is affordable and can be delivered in a sustainable manner through existing channels. This strategy, designed to reach those at highest risk of morbidity due to schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis, was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in resolution WHA 54.19 in May 2001. The Expert Committee’s task was thus to provide clear and strategic guidance on how implementation should proceed.

RELATED DOCUMENT:

• Schistosomiase et géohelminthiases : Prévention et lutte, Rapport d’un Comité d’experts de l’OMS
  
• Prevención y control de la esquistosomiasis y las helmintiasis transmitidas por el suelo : informe de un comité de expertos de la OMS