The control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in East Africa.
As a result of support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, schistosomiasis and intestinal or soil-transmitted helminth infections have been the subject of national control programmes in three Eastern and Southern African countries: Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. Here, we review the significant progress made in their control efforts and highlight the different approaches being adopted to ensure programme effectiveness and sustainability. Although a positive start has been made to reduce morbidity resulting from schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in these countries, it is imperative that support is identified to sustain the programmes until these infections are no longer a public health problem and children can therefore be given a healthy start to life.
Kabatereine
Narcis B
NB
Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, PO Box 1661, Uganda.
Fleming
Fiona M
FM
Nyandindi
Ursuline
U
Mwanza
James C L
JC
Blair
Lynsey
L
D000818:Animals; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012556:Schistosomicides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology; D013636:Tanzania; D014454:Uganda; D015024:Zambia
D012556:Schistosomicides; D012987:Soil