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BILHARZIA, DEWORMING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

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PIGG’S PEAK – At least one in every six people is affected by bacterial diseases. This, however, can be prevented.


It is for this reason that the Ministry of Health as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO) have launched the bilharzia and deworming medicine administration campaign.


The exercise was officially launched yesterday at Mlumati High School.
The school is situated around Mashobeni North near the Matsamo Border Gate.


Though officially launched yesterday, the deworming and bilharzia medicine administration campaign started on June 10, 2019. The Minister of Health, Lizzie Nkosi, as well as the WHO country representative Dr. Cornelia Atsyor, not only spoke during the launch but also took the deworming tablets themselves before giving them to the pupils.


Speaking during the launch, Nkosi said these infections fell under the neglected tropical diseases (NTD).
She said she was hopeful that the launch would encourage parents to ensure that their children were dewormed.


On the other hand, Atsyor commended government for successfully conducting three rounds of campaigns with more than 90 per cent national coverage in the last three years.


“This coverage will eventually translate positively towards reducing the burden of bilharzia and intestinal worms,” she said.
Bilharzia is also referred to as schistosomiasis while intestinal worms as soil transmitted helminthiasi.


Atsyor said the coverage by government would also ensure that the kingdom is free of the diseases by 2050.
She said she would like to urge parents or guardians to encourage their children, including those with disabilities, to deworm.


“Let’s join hands to eliminate these diseases in order to contribute towards the attainment of the sustainable development goals,” said Nkosi.

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