DUSHANBE.  The Ministry of Health of Tajikistan, in partnership with the RVF and the U.S. Department of Defense, has just completed the first round of a nationwide deworming campaign. Epidemiologic surveys indicate that over half of the general population of Tajikistan is infected with intestinal worms. The campaign   targets the most vulnerable segments of the population for treatment:   all children ages 1 – 17 years and women of child bearing age, who together make up a total of approximately 6 million individuals and represent over 50% of the population of the country.

Student receives deworming medication in the Khatlon region of Tajikistan

The campaign includes two rounds of deworming in accordance with WHO recommendations. In the recently completed first round all children between the ages of 1 to 17 years and all women of childbearing age were treated with the deworming medication  albendazole. The second round, to be conducted in September, will provide treatment to all school-age children, who range in age from 7 years to 17 years, using albendazole as well as a second deworming medication, praziquantel. Both medications were indicated for school-aged children based on a nationwide epidemiologic survey conducted by Tajik specialists, who were trained as part of the campaign.

A mother and child await deworming treatment in a village health center in the Khatlon region of Tajikistan

As with all RVF programs, the deworming campaign is being implemented exclusively by local public health personnel. Following the completion of the two rounds of deworming Tajik specialists will conduct a second epidemiologic survey, which will allow local health officials to compare pre and post treatment rates of infestation and assess the need for follow-up measures.

To read more about RVF’s deworming program in Tajikistan, click here.