What are worms?

Two billion people world-wide are affected by Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomes (here referred to collectively as “worms”) and these infections account for over 40 percent of the worldwide burden of all tropical diseases, excluding malaria. While most infections are chronic and non-life threatening, 300 million of those infected suffer severe illness, and over 150,000 die annually. STHs are small parasitic worms that live in the intestines depriving children of essential nutrients leaving them malnourished and tired. Schistosomes live in the urinary and intestinal tracts and can cause organ damage and internal bleeding.

Children in low and middle income countries are particularly vulnerable. Worm infections cause health problems that both impair physical and mental development and limit attendance and performance in school, hampering a child’s development. If left untreated, infected children will contribute less to the economic development of their community as adults.

Read more about worms in a WHO newsletter.