Ministry of Health says it will conduct a mass drug administration against bilharzia and intestinal worms from 25 to 27 September this year.

According to a statement signed by secretary for health, Samson Mndolo, the ministry is targeting a total of 2.9 million people countrywide.

“Bilharzia and intestinal worms continue to be a public health concern in the country with devastating complications if left untreated, as such the annual campaign will help to eliminate bilharzia and intestinal worms,” says the statement.

It adds that the campaign which will be community based will be done in 27 districts but targeting areas that are still significantly reporting cases of bilharzia and intestinal worms.

The statement further says of the total 2.9 million targeted population, about 270 thousand are school ages children whilst 260 thousand are adults above the age of 15.

The ministry also says it will conduct a registration exercise for the eligible targeted population to ensure an effective and efficient exercise.

The ministry has urged the masses to be vigilant ad join forces to ensure that eligible persons take the bilharzia and deworming medicines in a bid to eliminate the diseases in the country.