Written By Vanessa Kariuki |
The World Health Organization (WHO) is assisting the Ministry of Health in its integrated plan to eradicate four neglected diseases.
Launching the Mass Drug Administration, or MDA, today in Machakos and 4 other counties in the eastern area is a significant step towards controlling and getting rid of intestinal worms (STH) and bilharzia (Schistosomiasis).
By 2030, the WHO Roadmap seeks to have these 2 issues resolved as public health issues.
Prior to the start of MDA in the 5 counties, health professionals were trained, communities were mobilised to reach all at-risk populations, and additional measures were taken to assure public access to the medications through house-to-house distribution and public education about infection prevention.
Bilharzia and Intestinal Worms are part of the WHO 20-listed neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) which affect more than 1 billion people globally contributing to 534 000 annual deaths.
Up to 90% of NTDs  burden occur in Africa with some of the conditions endemic only in Africa.
