Schistosomiasis

Over 240 million people suffer from the tropical disease schistosomiasis, with more than 200,000 dying each year as a result. Together with our partners we plan to eliminate this disease once and for all.

Explore More

  1. What is schistosomiasis?
  2. Living our commitment
  3. What has been going on?
  4. World NTD Day

…is one of the most devastating tropical disease in terms of public health burden and economic impact. The core objective of our investments in schistosomiasis is to eliminate this life-threatening disease. By providing tablets to treat schistosomiasis at scale, we are enabling people living in highly endemic regions to become healthy and fully active members of their societies. This in turn supports sustainable development in their communities. We are proud to play a part in advancing both stronger health systems and economic growth.

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A world free of schistosomiasis

A world free of schistosomiasis is possible, and with our partners, we are working to make this a reality in Bench Maji, Ethiopia. Follow Manyazewal's story of recovery and how we are #MakingSchistoHistory.

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Hotspot for schistosomiasis

Bench Maji is a hotspot for schistosomiasis, a terrible water-borne disease caused by parasitic worms. You can catch schistosomiasis while playing in the rivers and lakes…
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…or by washing clothes.
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Hindering education

Manyazewal caught schistosomiasis while splashing in the river, and the serious symptoms prevented him from attending school.
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Treatment

Thankfully Ergoya Gebre from the Mizan Health Centre diagnosed and treated Manyazewal.
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Awareness

In school, Manyazewal and his peers learn about the disease and how to prevent it.
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Sanitation

The Ministry of Health and the NALA Foundation also help with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) measures so that Manayazewal doesn’t get re-infected.
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Partners

Thanks to a strong alliance of highly engaged partners, Manyazewal is now back at school with his friends.
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Facts about Schistosomiasis

  • Disease caused by parasitic worms.

  • Associated with poverty and inadequate sanitation.

  • More than 240 million people infected worldwide.

  • 200,000 people die every year.

  • 92% of the estimated cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Treatment is possible and available.
    Learn more
#MakingSchistory Flyer #MakingSchistory Flyer
#MakingSchistory Flyer
More information
#MakingSchistory Flyer
Learn more in this flyer about schistosomiasis and our efforts to eliminate this devastating disease.
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Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium Program
More information
Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium Program
The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium is an international public-private partnership that aims to develop, register and provide access to a suitable pediatric praziquantel formulation for treating schistosomiasis in preschool-age children (below 6 years of age).

Quiz

Would you have known?

Many facts around schistosomiasis are surprising - check your knowledge about the neglected tropical disease!

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The intermediate host in the life cycle of schistosomiasis is ….

a fish

a dog

a snail

an earthworm

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What is the natural habitat of the snails that carry the parasite?

The ocean

Freshwater (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, creeks, and streams)

A saltwater lagoon

A raging river

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How many eggs a day can a female worm release into the human bloodstream?

Up to 250 eggs

Up to 1500 eggs

Up to 850 eggs

Up to 3500 eggs

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When was bilharzia officially identified by the parasitologist Theodor Bilharz?

In the 1850s

In the 1920s

In the 1970s

In the 1780s

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Which influential person is believed to have had urinary problems due to schistosomiasis infection?

The Sun King Louis XIV of France

Julius Caeser

Napoleon Bonaparte

George Washington

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In which historical remains were traces of the parasite found?

In the “Oetzi”, the iceman

In Egyptian mummies

In the body of Christoph Columbus

In the bones of Michelangelo

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How many people worldwide are infected with schistosomiasis?

3.5 million

60 million

110 million

240 million

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Your final score

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#Making­SchistoHistory

We are committed to the fight against schistosomiasis – and have been for more than a decade.

  • What is schistosomiasis?

    Schistosomiasis is a water-borne tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. Click below to learn more about it.
    Read more

  • Living our commitment

    More than a decade ago we committed ourselves to the fight against schistosomiasis. Learn more about our efforts to eliminate the disease.
    Read more

  • What has been going on?

    More awareness will lead to greater action to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. Have a look at how we have been creating awareness of this disease.
    Read more