Global Arab Network: The Enemy Within: Tackling Schistosomiasis in Yemen
Alaa Hamed, senior health specialist in the Middle East and North Africa at the World Bank

“…The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called schistosomiasis ‘the world’s most deadly, neglected tropical disease’: this is no longer the case in Yemen. It is being tackled and the prevalence of the disease has been radically reduced since the World Bank scaled-up its national control program. … Although Yemen has taken huge strides toward curtailing schistosomiasis, efforts need to continue beyond the lifespan of this national project. Since there is no vaccine to prevent re-infection, massive drug distribution, combined with public awareness, has to remain part of the strategy to keep schistosomiasis at bay…” (6/16).