-programme results in reduction of worm infestation
(GINA) THE Health Ministry’s National Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) programme will be taken to Region Two shortly as the Ministry continues its effort to eliminate lymphatic filariasis which is caused by round, thread-like worms.

The first phase of the programme which was conducted in Region Five on October 31, 2008, saw more than 9,500 homes and approximately 40, 000 citizens targeted. The second phase targeted about 120,000 people in Region Six in December 2008.

Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said that within two weeks a team of volunteers will be ready to distribute the worm tablets on a house-to- house basis to communities in Region Two, including the riverain areas.

The Ministry, he said, continues to conduct comprehensive monitoring of the programme by collecting samples from the targeted population.

Dr Persaud indicated that the Ministry has seen a reduction in worm infestation in areas where mass treatment has been conducted.

“We were able to reach about 91 percent of the target…once we can achieve about 80 to 90 percent of the population, I think our objective is likely to reduce the chance of transmission,” he said.

The Ministry’s de-worming programme was introduced with the aim of eliminating this public health problem by 2012.

During the visitation and distribution exercise, Albendazole and DEC (Diethylcarbamazine) tablets are administered.

Every citizen, except children under two years and pregnant women, is offered treatment.