Strengthening interventions to reduce helminth infections as an entry point for the development of health-promoting schools

The term "helminth" is often used to refer to a variety of worms that live as parasites in the human body. A helminth infection occurs when worms (or eggs) enter, mature, lay eggs and feed off a person. Helminth infections are one of the leading causes of diseases among young people and adults in the world today. The highest rates of roundworm and whipworm infections are often demonstrated in the groups of 5-9 and 10-14 years old. In countries where helminth infections prevail, schools provide the most effective and efficient way to reach large portions of the population, including young people, school personnel, family and community members; and to reduce infections and prevent re-infections.
This document is based on the latest scientific research and control experience related to helminth infection, but it is more than a technical document. It is designed to help people address the broad range of factors that must be changed to reduce helminth infections, to prevent re-infections and to improve health through schools. It provides argumentation for increased local, district and national support for helminth reduction and school health efforts and a basis for the justification of decisions to increase such a support. It describes the environmental changes that are required to reduce helminth infections and how those changes can be made at the lowest possible costs.
It also describes how current health services can seize the opportunity afforded by schools, resulting from the development of safer medications and more effective school health promotion programmes.