Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

The Problem

• Schistosomiasis currently infects 200 million people in 74 endemic countries; it affects primarily women and school-aged children.
• Infections occur when a person comes into contact with fresh water that is infested with contaminated snails. The infection can lead to stunted growth and development, and in severe cases, to bladder cancer and kidney, liver, and spleen malfunction.

What HKI Is Doing

• Schistosomiasis can be treated with a single dose of praziquantel, a highly effective oral medication with a long shelf-life that can be administered safely after minimal training.
• HKI has been working to integrate management of schistosomiasis within efforts to control other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as onchocerciasis, LF, and soil-transmitted helminthes.

• Related Programs
• Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
• School Health

• Program Locations
• Burkina Faso
• Mali
• Sierra Leone

• Recent News
• "Geographical Distribution of Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis and Preventive Chemotherapy Strategies in Sierra Leone"
• "Control of the neglected tropical diseases needs a long-term commitment"
• "Neglected tropical diseases—beyond the tipping point?"
• more...

• Key Publications
• Significantly Reduced Intensity of Infection but Persistent Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in a Highly Endemic Region in Mali after Repeated Treatment
• Significantly Reduced Intensity of Infection but Persistent Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in a Highly Endemic Region in Mali after Repeated Treatment
• Combined spatial prediction of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Sierra Leone: a tool for integrated disease control.
• more...