Educate Kenyans and expand treatment to curb worm infections

Approximately 15 million Kenyans are estimated to be infected with human parasitic worms with the most intense infections being among children and the poor as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Studies have shown that adult men who were treated as children worked 3.4 more hours per week, spent more time in entrepreneurial activities, and were more likely to work in higher-wage manufacturing jobs.

Surveys conducted by Kemri between 2012 and 2014 point out that areas of highest worm prevalence are in Western, South Rift and the coastal region mainly in Kilifi and Kwale County. Infected children are physically, nutritionally and cognitively impaired whereas in pregnant women, the parasites cause anaemia, which increases the risk of premature delivery and death resulting from excessive bleeding at birth.