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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Cost-effectiveness of soil-transmitted helminthiasis intervention programmes: A scoping review
Michael Odhiambo1, Israel Wuresah2, Geofrey Chepchieng1
1Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Integrated mass drug administration (MDA) and community-wide strategies are more cost-effective for soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) control in high-prevalence areas. Context significantly influences program effectiveness and economic value.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Economics
Background:
- Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) affect over 1.5 billion people globally, disproportionately impacting women of reproductive age and school-aged children.
- Mass drug administration (MDA) is the primary control method, but challenges like high reinfection rates and poor integration with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) hinder long-term elimination.
- Limited cost-effectiveness data exists for STH interventions, particularly for preschool-aged children and integrated WASH programs.
Conclusions:
- The cost-effectiveness of STH intervention programs is highly context-dependent.
- Community-wide and integrated MDA strategies provide superior economic value compared to school-based delivery in high-prevalence areas.
- Further research is needed on cost-effectiveness for preschool-aged children and integration with WASH initiatives.
