Resolving 'worm wars': An extended comparison review of findings from key economics and epidemiological studies

摘要

The major human helminthiases, including schistosomiasis and the soil-transmitted helminth(STH) infections, represent the leading neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in terms of theirglobal prevalence and ability to inflict tremendous disease burdens and disability [1]. Recentestimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 indicate that almost 1 billion peopleare infected with STHs, whereas 140 million people have schistosomiasis, with most living inthe world’s low- and middle-income countries [2]. In response to the adverse health, educational, and economic effects of pediatric helminth infections, the World Health Organization(WHO) and other international development organizations have taken an active role in tryingto lower the disease burden and improve child health through the use of preventive chemotherapy (PC), with a goal of reaching at least 75% of at-risk population and up to 100% ofschool-aged children [3–4]. By 2015, nearly 1 billion PC treatments were delivered by NTDPC programs globally [5].