Intestinal worms or soil-transmitted helminthiases are caused by infection with the nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) and Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus (hookworms) and are among the commonest infections in humans. Those living in poverty are most vulnerable to infection.

Intestinal worms are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. They are transmitted by eggs present in human faeces which contaminate soil in areas where sanitation is poor. Intestinal worms are a major public health problem because the worms disrupt people’s ability to absorb nutrients, impeding the growth and physical development of millions of children.

Deworming programmes with a single-tablet treatment can drastically reduce the suffering of those infected with parasitic intestinal worms and improve the health and nutrient uptake of heavily infected children. Improving basic hygiene, sanitation, health education and providing access to safe drinking-water are also keys to resolving the health and nutritional problems caused by intestinal worms.

Intestinal worms or soil-transmitted helminthiases are caused by infection with the nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) and Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus (hookworms) and are among the commonest infections in humans. Those living in poverty are most vulnerable to infection.

Intestinal worms are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. They are transmitted by eggs present in human faeces which contaminate soil in areas where sanitation is poor. Intestinal worms are a major public health problem because the worms disrupt people’s ability to absorb nutrients, impeding the growth and physical development of millions of children.

Deworming programmes with a single-tablet treatment can drastically reduce the suffering of those infected with parasitic intestinal worms and improve the health and nutrient uptake of heavily infected children. Improving basic hygiene, sanitation, health education and providing access to safe drinking-water are also keys to resolving the health and nutritional problems caused by intestinal worms.