[Control of schistosomiasis in Brazil]

The great area with transmission of schistosomiasis in Brazil (11% of the hole country) associated to the focal distribution of the helminthiasis makes the disease control a difficult goal, not only methodologically but also in terms of operation. Since 1976, year when the Special Programme of Schistosomiasis Control was begun, it has been possible to develop regular activities of control. Since then, these activities are conducted in a vertical programme, which is being maintained till it will be possible to get to a prevalence of five percent or under this value. The regular checking of prevalence is made through routine screening works by using stools exams. This works gives the orientation to the activity of cases treatment. From this point, is expected that control activities be conducted by permanent health services. Using of molluscocides is being controlled, so that it can be based in accurate epidemiological criteria. Environmental management and education activities in special areas are being conducted with available resources. The results obtained demonstrate that a reduction of cases with the malignant evolution of the disease and also of the morbidity of schistosomiasis is being obtained, at least if we consider the available data in a more aggregate form.