Did you know?

Soil Transmitted Helminthes

What is it?

Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH), also known as intestinal worms, are the most common parasites in the world. Categorized as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), STH are commonly transmitted through improperly cleaned vegetables, contaminated water and soil in areas with poor sanitation.

Children are most at risk for STH, as they are most likely to put their hands in their mouths after crawling or playing in the dirt. According to the World Health Organization, STH can cause anemia, vitamin A deficiency and loss of appetite – and for children, long term effects can include restricted growth and a reduced ability to learn and perform in school.

Success Story: IMA at work

In 2008, a young Haitian girl woke in tears every night, complaining

of stomach pain. Family elders advised her mother to take her to a

voodoo priest for an exorcism. Fortunately, the mother attended a

local meeting instead, where trusted community leaders—trained through

one of IMA's programs—explained that her daughter was suffering from a
treatable case of STH.

What We Do

Through a USAID-funded program through RTI, IMA World Health has since 2008 led the implementation of a mass drug administration (MDA) program in Haiti to control STH as well as to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, another NTD common in Haiti.

To date, IMA has provided safe and effective medication to over 4.1 million people in seven Departments in Haiti. The program has also trained over 17,000 volunteers who assist in raising awareness and drug administration during MDA.

IMA is partnering with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and other partners to increase the program to reach national coverage by 2011.

What You Can Do

Frequent hand and face washing is an easy way for kids to prevent the spread of STH and other infectious diseases. IMA World Health has developed the Healthy Kids Kit – a small but powerful package containing essential hygiene products to help keep disease at bay.