Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): A Critical Component for Sustainable Soil-Transmitted Helminth and Schistosomiasis Control.

This article highlights the significance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in controlling soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis. While chemotherapy is the primary method for managing these parasitic infections, it has limitations. WASH interventions, such as access to safe water, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene practices, have proven effective in reducing transmission. However, implementing WASH programs can be challenging due to factors like cost and lack of involvement from health professionals and local governments. The article emphasizes the need to integrate WASH interventions with chemotherapy for sustainable control and elimination of these infections. The current WHO guidelines for helminth control have shortcomings, and the authors recommend revising them to include WASH access indicators and implementation guidance. They also call for more research on the impact of integrated interventions. Overall, the authors advocate for a comprehensive approach to helminth control that combines chemotherapy and WASH interventions. [Extracted from the article]