Neglected tropical diseases» Parasitic worms in humans

Parastic worms in humans

Parasitic worm infections include schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections, and are part of a group called neglected tropical diseases.

They are estimated to infect over one billion people in some of the world’s poorest communities.

They affect people without access to clean water and sanitation.

The highest levels of infection are mostly found in school-age children.

Parasitic worm infections can result in

Impaired child development

Reduced school attendance

Reduced productivity

Internal organ damage

Increased risk of HIV in women

Infertility

But treatment can help

Treatment is safe and effective. Studies show that early and regular treatment of parasitic worm infections has the potential to:

Reduce the damaging effects of infection

Increase school attendance by 25%

Provide a 37% social rate of return*

*Social rate of return (SRR) definition: ‘The social internal rate of return refers to the costs and benefits to society of investment in education, which includes the opportunity cost of having people not participating in the production of output and the full cost of the provision of education rather than only the cost borne by the individual. The social benefit includes the increased productivity associated with the investment in education and a host of possible non-economic benefits, such as lower crime, better health, more social cohesion and more informed and effective citizens.’ (Source: OECD)