Eliminating the major Helminth Neglected Tropical Diseases from the Lower Mekong Basin

EXT LED from 07/08/23 - This research project aims to develop programs to eliminate a major health burden for the Lower Mekong Basin, helminth related Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including soil transmitted helminths, liver flukes and schistosoma blood flukes. Intestinal worms and other parasites, collectively referred to as helminth infections, lead to significant ill-health in our region. More than 300 million people worldwide live with these infections and they result in more than 150,000 deaths each year. The impacts of helminth infections generally relate to their effects on hosts health and nutritional status, with resulting restrictions on childrens physical and mental development, educational achievements and potential economic development. As well as these immediate effects some helminths are also risk factors for the development of more serious chronic diseases, particularly liver cancer.