I remember learning about worms in science class in seventh grade, when we learned all about the organization of living things. Since then, however, I haven't heard much about worms, especially the parasitic kinds. But as I begin to ramp up on public health issues plaguing the developing world, I have learned that two billion people world-wide are affected by parasitic worms, formally known as Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomes. Although most worm infections are not life-threatening, the symptoms of worms cause health problems such as stomach pain, coughing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swollen belly, blood in stools or urine, and fatigue.
Children living in developing countries are at the highest risk of contracting worms, and given the symptoms listed above, it follows that children with worms have poor attendance and performance at school. Poor attendance at school clearly leads to learning gaps, including general illiteracy and speaking English, two subjects that are very important in a developing country. Furthermore, worms can cause impaired physical and mental development in children, which further position the children to face additional challenges as adults.
Through the Deworm Ghana project, VPWA aims to confront these challenges, aiming to deworm as many children as possible through the provision of a common deworming medication, albendazole. A single-dose of albendazole safely treats worms in infected children. Side-effects are rare. As a result of deworming efforts, childrens’ overall health improves such that attendance at schools can increase by as much as 25%. That's a pretty good statistic! However, what's even more exciting is just how cost-effective it is to deworm. The medication we are dispensing costs up to 2 Cedis in Ghana, which is about $1.50 USD. Although this cost can be a challenge for many impoverished families, it is certainly doable for many aid organizations, as the medication can be purchased for even less directly from the manufacturers.
So today we finally got started with Deworm Ghana, and seven of us volunteers traveled to the village of Darman, about two hours north of Accra. After meeting with the village chief, the group headed to Darman Presbyterian School, where the children greeted us with cheers. The day’s programming began with a VPWA volunteer - ME - giving a brief educational speech to the children, explaining worms and how the children would be treated. As soon as I said, "Good morning!" the children erupted in giggles. However, I think I was able to adequately explain the details to them.
Just what were those details? Well, we were dispensing a single dose of an antibiotic called albendazole, which works by depriving the worms of glucose within its host's body. After taking just one 400 mg dose of albendazole, a parasitic worm will die because it can no longer feed off of the host. As a result, the dead worm will be passed in a bowel movement. In addition, I explained how always wearing shoes outside, avoiding non-potable water, and washing fruits and vegetables before eating, and always washing hands can help prevent worm infections in the future.
After my speech, we got to work! The children lined up by our desks, and for the next two hours, our team administered albendazole to 372 children, ranging in age from five to sixteen years of age. 179 of the students were girls, and 193 of the students were boys. We remained on site for one hour after administering medication to ensure the children experienced no problematic side-effects from albendazole. During this time, I spoke with parents about treating and preventing worms while the other volunteers played with the school children.
In summary, the first day of Deworm Ghana was a success! 10 more schools to go before July 21, and pictures coming soon...
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