Soil-transmitted worms are almost universal in tropical and subtropical areas like the PICTs, where they can impair growth and development in children and cause anaemia in all segments of the community. Mass drug treatment for filariasis elimination has the added benefit of reducing transmission of soil-transmitted helminthes.
WHO aims to:
Establish national control programmes in countries where these diseases affect public health (e.g. through improved hygiene education and sanitation, and annual treatment of school children aged 5-14 years in areas with prevalence of intestinal worms above 50% as part of school health programmes).
