Elimination on the Horizon - Rwanda's Blueprint for Eliminating Parasitic Worms

Before the creation of Rwanda’s neglected tropical disease program in 2007, there had been little research on two debilitating parasites running rampant throughout the country: intestinal worms and schistosomiasis. But in 2019, the Rwandan government began financing 100% of the operational costs related to mass treatment campaigns that have successfully curtailed these parasitic infections.

Through Rwanda's continued investment, schistosomiasis has reached a threshold of elimination as a public health problem, meaning prevalence has been reduced to below 1% of heavy intensity infections in 97% of surveyed villages according to remapping in 2020. This outcome follows years of effective treatment campaigns that were the result of Rwanda's steadfast commitment to elimination.

Director: Imraan Christian
Producer: Yusuf Ahmed
Director of Photography: Raees Hassan
Associate Producers: Danielle Ashwin, Elyse Greenblatt, Eugene Ruberanziza, Eric Rwakimanzi,
Translator: Gaspard Habarurema, David Ndayishimiyee
Driver: Alphonse Nshogoza

Special Thanks:
The END Fund Deworming Innovation Fund
Rwanda Biomedical Center
Rwanda Ministry of Health
Rwanda Ministry of Environment