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Schistosomiasis

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Schistosomiasis (otherwise known as Bilharzia or Snail Fever) is a devastating disease caused by free-swimming parasitic worms, which affects over 200 million people across 78 countries in Africa, Asia, and South America.

In areas where sanitation is poor and hygiene is a challenge, eggs from humans easily pass back into the water system. There they hatch, infect river snails, and use them as a host to develop further. When sufficiently developed, the larvae enter the water in search of a secondary host. Entering through the skin, humans are the perfect home for these parasites, and so the cycle of infection continues. 

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This disease, similar to other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), disproportionately impacts impoverished populations, especially affecting women and children who frequently use the rivers. 

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For the past decade NALA has been implementing a unique, holistic, and comprehensive approach which aims to sustainably eradicate schistosomiasis, as well as other NTDs and give communities the opportunity to live a healthier life. 

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