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We are evaluating a new treatment for this common infection that affects the world’s poorest communities
Soil-transmitted helminth infections caused by roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworm nematodes (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), are among the most common of all infections with an estimated 1.5 billion people infected worldwide. Malnutrition can occur in those infected, and children may also experience impairments to mental and physical growth. These parasitic worms affect the world’s poorest communities and are transmitted through contaminated soil where sanitation is inadequate.
1.5b
people estimated to be infected worldwide in 2016 (WHO)
568m+
school-age children live in areas where these parasites are intensely transmitted
Source:
World Health Organization. Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020. Available from: https://www.who.int/ teams/control-of-neglected-tropical-diseases/ending-ntds-together-towards-2030
2030
By 2030 the WHO is aiming for the elimination of STH morbidity in pre-school and school age children
Current treatments recommended by the WHO are albendazole and mebendazole, which work by stopping the parasitic worms from absorbing sugar.We are evaluating moxidectin as a treatment for soil-transmitted helminths. MDGH is collaborating in Phase 2/3 studies in Tanzania, conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland. A study to evaluate moxidectin co-administered with albendazole in adolescents infected with soil-transmitted helminths will soon commence on Pemba Island, Tanzania.
Primarily affecting the lungs, tuberculosis remains the leading cause of infectious death worldwide.
A debilitating and disfiguring disease found in 31 African countries and beyond.
An infectious skin condition affecting more than 200 million people at any one time.
A painful and debilitating disease of the lymph system affecting over 50 million people at any one time.
A soil-transmitted infection affecting up to 100 million people, particularly children.
A chronic infectious disease which may cause skin lesions and nerve damage found in 127 countries.
Among the most common of all infections with an estimated 1.5 billion people infected worldwide.
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MDGH respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which our office is located, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
