SCI Foundation Interview
A shocking 868 million children in the developing world are exposed to parasitic worm infections. But a single round of treatment can reduce disease prevalence by up to 60%, drastically improving educational and future life outcomes.
The SCI Foundation reached nearly 50 million people with parasitic worm treatment last year.
Find out why empowering local institutions is the key to eradicating preventable disease.
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March 11, 2021
Treating 10 Children for Parasitic Worms Costs as Much as a Cup of Coffee
#148 Great.com Talks With… SCI Foundation
A billion people in the developing world are exposed to parasitic worm infections. Luckily, treatment is simple, cheap and highly effective. In this episode we talked with Wendy E Harrison from the SCI Foundation about empowering local governments in Sub-Saharan Africa to fight preventable disease.
What is Schistosomiasis?
Schistosomiasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease: an illness that’s especially prevalent in regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation. The parasite affects up to 240m people globally and can be found in infested freshwater. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can seriously damage the body’s vital organs.
The SCI Foundation helps develop impactful and comprehensive local health systems by offering them financial and technical support. The results of deworming programs speak for themselves; the Nobel Prize-winning research of Michael Kramer found that absentee rates dropped by 25% in schools where children were treated. Their future earnings also increased by 40%
Wendy explains that there has been a recent paradigm shift in NGO strategy, signaled by the WHO roadmap for 2021 to 2030. The focus is now moving from treatment to prevention and long-term impact. The SCI Foundation is collaborating with local water and sanitation providers to make sure children do not become reinfected after receiving initial treatment.
Listen to the whole interview to find out why value for money should influence how you give to charity.You can also subscribe to the SCI Foundation’s email list, read about their latest research, which includes an exciting study into effective treatments for the pork tapeworm, and make a donation.
Want to learn more about the SCI Foundation? You can check out their news section and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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