Bench Maji is a tropical region of Ethiopia, approximately the size of Israel, that is home to over 1 million people.

Streams are a source of life and leisure in Bench Maji used for washing, cleaning, and playing.

Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people across 78 countries in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Merck has donated over 1 billion praziquantel tablets with the aim of treating 100 million school children each year

Using latrines instead of going outdoors, frequently washing hands and avoiding swimming in the rivers are all habits which the local community are not accustomed to. 

As a result of their position in the family, children are strong messengers of change, promoting improved household hygiene following what they learnt in school. 

Clear instructions using images on fundamental practices are an essential part of controlling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Education is key, but many of these improved behaviours can only be implemented in an enabling environment. 

As programs to eliminate schistosomiasis gather pace, we can begin to see a future where Manyazewal, and millions like him, will no longer be at risk of the disease.