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PROJECT TO COMBAT HELMINTHIASIS IN MADAGASCAR
Epidemiological situation
The helminth diseases, especially schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis represent a huge health problem in Madagascar.
In most regions of the island, the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis in the general population reaches 50% while the number of people suffering from urinary schistosomiasis can be estimated at 1,500,000 and that of people suffering from intestinal schistosomiasis at 2,000,000.
Because of the peculiar climatic conditions, urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in the West of the country while the intestinal schistosomiasis is endemic in the Central and East of the country.
Health situation
Although the commitment and dedication made by the Malagasy government has been considerable, access to anthelmintic medicines for the population in Madagascar is a permanent problem. Despite the presence of communities conscious of the problem posed by these diseases and motivated to fight against them, as well as competent medical staff, opportunities for fruitful interaction between the two are often difficult due to the poor availability of medicines and ways to deploy them.
However, experiences conducted in the past by local associations and religious congregations have been significant. Among these experiences is worth mentioning the support of the presence of doctors in rural areas.
The project
The project to fight against helminthiais in Madagascar aims to contribute to the control of intestinal helminthiasi and schistosomiasis in 9 districts of the island, putting it in terms of sustainability and durability.
Main targets
• To support front-line health facilities in the fight against helminthiasis
• To ensure for school-age children, regular treatment against worms
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Secondary targets
• To supply for free front-line medical facilities with anti-helminth medicines
(praziquantel and albendazole)
• ncourage the development of school health through the distribution of anti-helminth medicines
• To encourage the organisation of medical aid societies of mutual solidarity
at village level in endemic areas
• To train front-line health staff in the perspective of a sustainable approach
in the fight against helminthiasis
Protocol
In the area outlined on the map, the 9 districts of Tsironomandidy, Itasy, Betafo, Morondava, Ihosy, Sakaraha, Toliara, Morombe and Betioky are the focal points of the project.
The good level of awareness and information about helminthiasis, both at community level in endemic areas and at the level of health staff, combined with the presence of a sufficiently dense and competent school system, have motivated the choice of the districts mentioned above.
The distribution of medicines will therefore be based on the empowerment of front-line health facilities, teaching staff and communities.
It is reasonable to assume that the support provided, although it may appear limited in time and space, is capable of generating an action of sustainable fight through the promotion of solidarity and mutual aid, training of health staff and the involvement of school structures.
It is also predictable that the fact of distributing the action on a wide geographical area rather that a narrow one, can lead to a spread to other districts of the approach and methodology for the control of helminthiasis supported by this project.
Budget
Medicines
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Praziquantel: 0,07
USD/tablet
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Albendazolo: 0,04 USD/tablet
Miscellaneous
Total miscellaneous: 5,000 USD
Training and IEC materials (Information, Education, Communication)
Total training and IEC materials: 10,000 USD
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