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International Day of the African Child: highlighting schistosomiasis treatment for all children
Today is International Day of the African Child. As a Consortium working to reduce the global disease burden of schistosomiasis – a preventable and treatable neglected tropical disease most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa – this awareness day is close to our hearts.
At present, millions of preschool-age children are left untreated for schistosomiasis, primarily due to the absence of a child-friendly formulation of praziquantel – the ‘standard of care’ treatment.
In children, schistosomiasis can cause anemia, stunting, and reduced learning ability, and can lead to fatal inflammation of the organs. Treatment is essential in order to reduce the negative health and economic impacts of the disease.
We believe that all children have a right to access medical care. In the schistosomiasis field, we have made it our mission to develop a pediatric treatment for this disease, one of the most prevalent parasitic worm infections worldwide.
Together with our partners, we have developed a novel, orally dispersible treatment option, suitable for use in children 6 years of age and younger who are at risk or infected with schistosomiasis. It is our goal to ensure that the new treatment is made accessible to the young patients in need so that they can pursue a future free of unnecessary health limitations.
Let us observe this day together and celebrate the rights of all children to a good quality of life and a healthy, prosperous future.