Question

Imagine that you are sent to a place where there is a high incidence of helminth infestation among the population and that despite the efforts of the local authorities to educate the population, promote better sanitation practices, and to provide the necessary treatments to the population, they continue practicing the same behaviors. With this said, what would you do, or which strategies would you use to achieve what the local authorities have not achieved? How would you prepare for this scenario?

Answer 1

Helminthes infestation widely distributed in trophical and sub- trophical areas which are experiencing humid and moist climates. Poor sanitation and hygiene are main reasons for this infection.

Main measures to prevent this infection are:

• eradicating outdoor defecation, and by
• effective sewage disposal systems.
• exercising hand hygiene measures
• eating washed and cooked hygienic food

I would try to contact from NGO'S , or some industries/ organisations in the locality and request them to help in building sewage disposal system , sanitary latrines and provide foot wear to the community people.

• Wearing footwear may be a protection between the infective larvae and foot .
• Mass drug administrations are to be conducted periodically (often annually), by going door-to-door.
• Strict use of sanitary latrines should be made mandatory.
• Housing with sanitary latrines and proper sewage only be given all basic amenities from government.
• Health education regarding effects of farming practices using untreated sewage and open defecation should be given to whole community right from school children .
• Importance of Hand hygiene should be taught to all people. Posters regarding advantages of hand hygiene should be kept in many places in the community , so that people will leave their ignorant behavior.