More than 25% of the world’s population (greater than 1.5 billion people) face the burden of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, a species of intestinal parasite whose eggs develop in the soil before finding a new host. The main cause of this high infection rate is lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities (toilets) and the consequent contamination of the environment with human feces. Researchers from Syracuse University, the World Health Organization, and SUNY Upstate (The State University of New York Upstate Medical University) measured the impact of deworming medicine during pregnancy on the subsequent risk of neonatal mortality and low birthweight.

he study has been conducted on 95 Demographic Health Survey data collected on more than 8,00,000 births and the results are published in the current issue of the journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. More than 25 per cent of the world’s population (greater than 1.5 billion people) face the burden of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, a species of an intestinal parasite whose eggs develop in the soil before finding a new host. Fortunately, deworming medicines are highly effective and safe.

The main cause of this high infection rate is lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities (toilets) and the consequent contamination of the environment with human feces. While universal access to adequate sanitation is one of the sustainable development goals, parasite burdens are still causing harm. Fortunately, deworming medicines are highly effective and safe.

A recent study has found that mothers receiving deworming treatment during pregnancy reduce by 14% the risk of their child dying within the first four weeks after birth. Another benefit is that treating pregnant women with anthelminthic medicines can avoid low birthweight (Risk Of Neonatal Mortality).

Approximately 688 million girls and adult women of reproductive age live in areas which are endemic for intestinal worms, in more than 100 countries. The greatest number is found in sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas and Asia where reinfection is frequent in areas of high transmission.

WHO coordinates shipment of donated medicines to countries requesting them. They are then distributed freely by national disease control programs during mass treatment campaigns.