A study of bilharzia and intestinal worms in Morondava

This study of bilharzia and other intestinal parasites was carried out on 496 children in the Firaisana of Ankilivalo. As well as determine the prevalence of these parasites, data was collected on nutrition, agriculture and the use of water in order to gain an understanding of the transmission and effects of these parasites, and hence make recommendations for their control. In two schools within the area of a major irrigation scheme the prevalence of bilharzia was 69%, and 50% of children suffer from at least one other intestinal worm. In a school outside the main irrigation area, the prevalence was much lower (7%), but nutritional standards were also lower. Ultimately, control of bilharzia will depend on improvements to the irrigation and drainage infrastructure, and in standards of sanitation. However, chemotherapy is the only method of bringing the disease under control in the short term.