Deworm the world
February 24th, 2010 Posted in Taking a standDeworm the world is an initiative to spread deworming tablets through schools wherever it is needed. That does not sound very sexy, but is very necessary and relatively ‘easy’ to do. Not only does a prevent deaths but also a lot of debilitating illnesses like blindness or elephantiasis.
The recent January 2010 issue of Scientific American magazine also featured an article "(A plan to defeat) Neglected topical diseases" by Peter Jay Hotez in which he describes 7 parasitic or bacterial infections that are common in impoverished areas. There he points to the 50 Cents Campaign.
Quoting the key concepts from that article:
"A group of seven tropical diseases, mostly caused by parasitic worms. afflict a billion impoverished people worldwide. They seldom kill directly but cause life-long misery that stunts children’s growth, leaves adults unable to function to their fullest, and heighthens the risk of other diseases."
"Fortunately, they can be easily treated, often with a single pill. Various agencies and foundations are collaborating to deliver these drugs, although they have only about 10% of the population so far."
