Effect of parasite screening on refugee health
Mangoud, A.M.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 30(1): 1-10
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1110-0583 PMID: 10786014 Document Number: 517804
A control programme to reduce morbidity and transmission of intestinal parasites was established in 1993 in refugee camps in Somalia. The programme operates within a comprehensive health care project and control activities has been carried out through the existing health facilities. The strategy adopted was based on the periodical chemotherapy of school children and intensive health education in close collaboration with local community leaders. An overall reduction in prevalence of intestinal parasite infections of 53% was achieved in school children after 3 years, and the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides (17.7% in 1993) and Trichuris trichiura (53.3% in 1993) was reduced by 79 and 60%, respectively. This approach, together with political commitment and limited operational costs, indicates the future sustainability of these control activities. Future control strategies will be tailored to the results of evaluation surveys and targeted to identified high-risk areas. This project is described as a model for other refugee situations with limited local resources.