The Ministry of Health considers intestinal worms to be a major public health problem in Kyrgyzstan. Studies have consistently shown parasite burdens of over 50% among the general population. School-aged children are especially vulnerable. Intestinal worms can cause children to suffer from reduced growth rates, learning problems, malnutrition, and anemia.

The RVF first partnered with the Ministry of Health in 2008 – 2009 to conduct a pilot deworming campaign in Kyrgyzstan’s two most impoverished regions- Batken and Osh. Over 1.5 million children and adults, representing over 95% of the targeted population, were treated in this successful school-based prototype operation.

With the support of the U.S. government the RVF will now assist the Ministry of Health in expanding the deworming campaign to all regions of the country beginning in April 2010. The campaign is to be carried out by Kyrgyz health care personnel and will raise the total number of individuals treated by the RVF against intestinal worms in the country to 4.5 Million.

To read more about the RVF’s Deworming campaign in Kyrgyzstan, please click here