CONTROL OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN SEYCHELLES - A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH

Intestinal parasitic infections have been perceived as a public health problem in Seychelles for decades. A comprehensive strategy to reduce morbidity and, in the long term, transmission of intestinal parasites has been implemented successfully since 1993. Management of the progr amme is integrated into the well established primary health care syste m, with control activities being undertaken through existing health fa cilities. The strategy is based on periodic chemotherapy of schoolchil dren, intense health education and improvement of sanitation and safe water supply. The initial objectives of the control programme were met after 2 years of activities, with an overall reduction in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 44%. The intensity of infection with Trichuris trichiura, the commonest parasite, was halved (from 780 to 370 eggs per g of faeces). The programme's integrated approach, in concert with political commitment and limited operational costs, is a warranty for the future sustainability of control activities. The pro gramme can be seen as a model for other developing countries, even whe re health and socioeconomic conditions are different and the control o f parasitic infections will need a much longer-term commitment.