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.
Our milestones
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2.0b
tablets donated since 2007.
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800
million treatments for school-aged children were enabled.
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250
Up to 250 million tablets donated annually.
Our Vision is Elimination
We play our part in eliminating schistosomiasis with a comprehensive approach built on four pillars to ensure progress and success: treatment, R&D, health education & WASH, advocacy & partnerships.
We have partnered with the World Health Organization since 2007 to provide up to 250 million tablets annually to countries affected by schistosomiasis. In this way, we ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive life-changing treatment – especially children. We want to enable people to have healthy and productive lives, helping them to break the cycle of poverty. We are committed to continue delivering treatment until the disease is eliminated.
WHO websiteWe support the global fight against schistosomiasis by advancing and expanding our capabilities through research and development activities. In particular, we are developing a pediatric formulation of our schistosomiasis medicine for children under the age of six, within a consortium of partners. We are also running collaborative research and development programs for innovative and adapted treatments (including to address female genital schistosomiasis), sensitive diagnostics and vector control methods. Importantly, we strengthen our research expertise and capacity through collaborative programs with African centers of excellence.
Global Health InstituteHealth education +
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WASH & schistosomiasis
Fighting water-borne diseases, like schistosomiasis, by supporting water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in Sub-Saharan AfricaLearn more -
Storytelling Lab
learn moreThe lab brings together community leaders and storytellers with health experts to develop innovative communication pilots to combat Schistosomiasis in local communities.
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Behaviour Change
In Ethiopia, we operate a health education program in partnership with the NALA Foundation and the country’s Federal Ministry of Health.learn more
We believe that greater awareness will lead to more action to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. We use our influence as a global company to create awareness of this disease. However, we cannot fight schistosomiasis alone. Strong partnerships are essential to advancing the global agenda. Our investment in treatments with the WHO and the development of a pediatric formulation through a consortium of partners are two examples. We are also a founding member of the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance (GSA), a central convening platform for international partners. Together, we develop holistic solutions to control and eliminate schistosomiasis.
Fighting schistosomiasis hand-in-hand
Johannes Waltz (Head of our Schistosomiasis Elimination Program) and Wendy Harrison (Executive Director of the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative) are working closely together.
Learn MoreWomen and girls in countries with low and middle income are disproportionately affected by neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis. Social taboos around female fertility, common misdiagnosis of disease in women and underfunding of research into woman’s health are often the cause. Read more about our engagement around women’s health here.
learn moreUnderstanding Schistosomiasis:
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What is Schistosomiasis?
Schistosomiasis is a water-borne tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. Click below to learn more about it.learn more -
What has been going on?
Greater awareness will lead to more action to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. Learn how we have been raising awareness of this disease.learn more -
Health for All
Learn moreOur overarching aim is to create a healthier future for all. We believe that this includes reducing the negative impact of neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis.