Soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the most common infections in humans, caused by a group of parasites commonly referred to as worms, including roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Those living in poverty are most vulnerable to infection which can impair nutritional status by causing: internal bleeding which can lead to loss of iron and anaemia; intestinal inflammation and obstruction; diarrhoea; and impairment of nutrient intake, digestion, and absorption.

Soil-transmitted helminths – which include roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) – are among the most common causes of infection in people who live in the developing world. WHO estimates that over 270 million preschool children and over 600 million school-age children are living in areas where these parasites are intensively transmitted and are in need of treatment and preventive interventions.

Children are most vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies from worms.

Soil pollution
Water pollution
Cultural acceptance
Impact on wellbeing / mental health

Helminths transmitted by eggs excreted in human faeces, contaminating soil.

• Soil-transmitted helminths are transmitted by eggs excreted in human faeces, which contaminate the soil in areas that lack adequate sanitation. People are infected through ingestion of infective eggs or larvae that contaminate food, hands, or utensils, or by penetration of the skin by infective larvae that contaminate the soil. Since these parasites do not multiply in the human host, reinfection occurs only as a result of contact with infective stages in the environment.
• Preventative chemotherapy is an important part of a comprehensive package to eliminate morbidity due to soil-transmitted helminths in at-risk populations. However, long-term solutions to soil-transmitted helminth infections will need to address many factors, including improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene.

• Hand washing
• Provision of clean / treated water; safe water storage
• Provision of adequate sanitation
• Good hygiene practices
  Preventative chemotherapy.

• Deworming medication is only temporary assistance, although it can be used regularly. However, it should be supported by the provision of clean / treated water and education in safe water storage and consumption accompanied by the provision of adequate sanitation that prevents human faeces coming into contact with soil in the environment. This needs further support with training in good hygiene practices including effective hand washing.
• Preventative chemotherapy is an important part of a comprehensive package to eliminate morbidity due to soil-transmitted helminths in at-risk populations.

Vitamin Angels cooperate with local partners to give anti-parasitics and vitamin A supplements to children in Belize, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. They also support communities in hygiene awareness and hygiene behaviour change and have seen a significant drop in environmental transmission.

The number of deworming treatments provided.

Prevention of environmental damage

Time and budget for medication, and for funding hygiene, water and sanitation facilities, and training.