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International Day of the African Child: Recognizing schistosomiasis as a child health development challenge
On this year’s International Day of the African Child, marked annually on 16 June, we draw attention to the fact that schistosomiasis poses a major child health development challenge. We also reinforce our commitment to providing an early childhood intervention for this preventable and treatable neglected tropical disease (NTD) most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Early childhood development is recognized as a critical period of intense physical and cognitive growth, during which health challenges may have long-lasting consequences. Efforts to secure improvements in early childhood development in sub-Saharan Africa may be undermined due to infections such as schistosomiasis not being considered among the factors impacting this crucial life stage.
In children, schistosomiasis can cause anemia, stunting, and reduced learning ability, and can lead to fatal inflammation of the organs. Treatment is essential to reduce the negative health and economic impacts of the disease, but there is currently no therapy suitable for children six years of age and younger.
As an international public-private partnership working to reduce the global disease burden of schistosomiasis, we believe that ALL children have a right to access medical care. Together with our partners, we have developed a novel, orally dispersible treatment option, suitable for use in children 3 months to 6 years of age at risk or infected with schistosomiasis. It is our goal to ensure that the new treatment option is made accessible to young children in need so that they can live free from this disease.
Where we stand in our journey
Late last year (December 2022), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated for review the application for our potential new treatment option. With this validation, a key milestone was reached in the ongoing effort to eliminate this NTD that affects more than 250 million people worldwide, including at least 50 million preschool-aged children.
It’s been an exciting journey to date and our motivation and commitment continue as we near the regulatory finish line and prepare for sustainable and equitable access to our new treatment option, following marketing approval from EMA.
Join us as we observe this day and celebrate the rights of all children to a good quality of life and a healthy, prosperous future.
Learn more about the challenges that schistosomiasis poses to
early childhood development
View our infographic illustrating the consequences of
schistosomiasis for children