Government has embarked on a Mass Drug Administration  (MDA) campaign against Bilharzia and Intestinal worms targeting at least 7 million people.

Speaking to YONECO online, national programme manager for Bilharzia and intestinal worms in the ministry of health and population Lazarus Juziwelo said, the two continue to be conditions of public health concern in the country.

“About 3 million people are affected with Bilharzia and Intestinal worms so the exercise is very important because it will assist in reducing those numbers.”

The exercise began on October 8 – 12 in the northern and central regions and it will be concluded in the southern region from October 16 ­- 20.

“We are targeting children from 5 to 15 years but in hotspot districts of Mangochi,Nkhata Bay,Karonga and Kasungu among others the drugs will be administered to children from 5 years and above,”Juziwelo said.

About 20% of people in Malawi live in Bilharzia prone areas and this puts them at risk of contracting the disease.

In 2006, the World Health Organization set out a comprehensive plan for the control, elimination and eradication of 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTD’s) by 2020.