Drug-based helminth control in Western Pacific countries: A general perspective

Abstract

Helminthiases still have a relevant detrimental role in the health of large groups of human population. Where poor hygiene and lack of access to education, health services and essential care characterize living conditions, parasitic infections dramatically affect essential aspects of individual life, such as nutrition, cognitive performance, susceptibility to infections and micronutrient deficiency. Severe illness is associated with schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and food-borne trematode infections. Drugs are the cornerstone of control strategies for such infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential drugs contains several highly efficacious anthelmintics which are all safe, single-dose and cheap. If given regularly to infected communities, these drugs effectively control the morbidity related to the major endemic helminth infections. New strategies for mass drug administration to human populations have been tested, and several endemic Western Pacific countries have achieved excellent results in reducing morbidity in spite of continuous transmission. In this region, experience over the last decades proves the feasibility of helminth control, but also shows the need for long-term commitment and continuous support.