Can we deworm this wormy world?

Abstract

While programmes such as the Rockefeller campaign were specifically targeted at a particular parasite species, the current trend is towards the simultaneous control of all the major geohelminth species. New, broad-spectrum, low-cost anthelmintics and new understanding of epidemiology have led to more cost-effective and sustainable strategies. The WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank all now support global and regional efforts to achieve control of morbidity from intestinal worms. In this paper, we aim to show what's new in clinical helminthology and what has brought about the great improvement in the success of the new approaches to control.