The Parasitological Survey of “Assessment of the Prevalence and Burden of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis among the three at-risk groups in Bangladesh”

Abstract

Intestinal worm infestation is a global health problem. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections form the most important group of intestinal worms affecting two billion people worldwide, causing considerable morbidity and suffering, though entirely preventable. In March 2017, STH Program implemented, for the first time, the Integrated Community-based Survey for STH Program Monitoring (ICSPM). The ICSPM seeks to provide the STH Program monitoring data to improve evidence-based program decision making toward elimination of STH in Bangladesh. Children without Worms provided technical and funding support (with Johnson & Johnson) for the surveys. Firstly, provide statistically valid, district-level estimates of STH prevalence and intensity of infection that are specific to, and representative of key STH at-risk age groups. Secondly, assess potential factors affecting STH infection rates including recent preventive chemotherapy coverage, sanitation coverage, and specific hygiene-related behaviors. STH control activities are more diffuse, aiming to piggy-back de-worming onto existing services such as school health activities; controlling morbidity, rather than eliminating infection, is the stated goal. In order to maximize health benefits to communities, it is vitally important that policy makers and program managers have a clear understanding of STH and implement control programs that allocate available resources in an optimal manner.