Fighting schistosomiasis: A nurse’s mission

Mariam, a dedicated nurse and manager of Klan Rural Health Centre in Côte d’Ivoire, sees daily how schistosomiasis affects the wellbeing of families in her community.  

“Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in the Marahoué region,” she explains.  

The region’s many waterways, along with gold mining activities, create ideal conditions for the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis to spread. National data show a prevalence of nearly 10%, with children over the age of five, adolescents, and young adults most affected.  

Mariam describes her patient’s symptoms: “Abdominal pain, joint pain, skin rashes, and the alarming sign—blood in urine or stool.”  

These symptoms don’t just cause discomfort; they interrupt education and limit opportunities. 

“Children miss school frequently, leading to poor academic performance. We also see growth delays, psychomotor issues, and in severe cases, infertility or even bladder cancer.”  

Although many families are aware of the disease, socioeconomic realities mean that people continue mining activities and using contaminated water sources out of necessity.  

Treatment is costly, making mass drug administration campaigns essential.  

“These campaigns allow us to reach thousands of children and teenagers in just a few days,” Mariam says. The impact is profound: reduced prevalence, improved school performance, and less financial strain on families.  

This progress is made possible through strong partnerships.  

Unlimit Health has been working with the Ministry of Health in Côte d’Ivoire to deliver treatment through mass treatment campaigns.  

In 2024/25 alone, Unlimit Health supported the delivery of 13.2 million treatments for parasitic diseases—2.2 million of these specifically to treat schistosomiasis in several countries in Africa.  

These efforts are critical to reducing transmission and protecting the health of communities.  

But the fight is ongoing.  

“If the population doesn’t receive enough free treatments, we see a surge in cases,” she warns.  

What inspires her to continue? “The satisfaction of the people. When they come back and say, ‘Madam, these medicines helped us—when will you distribute them again?’ I know we’re making a difference.”  

Her work is not without challenges, but Mariam’s commitment shines through every encounter— whether reassuring a nervous young man during treatment or supporting a woman who feels hesitant to seek care.  

“When they return to thank me, I feel proud. It means the treatment worked, and they trust us.”  

For Mariam, her work is part of a future where children can learn, grow, and thrive free from schistosomiasis.