Control de la anquilostomiasis en el Paraguay

Abstract

A plan is outlined for an integrated hookworm control program to be carried out in the ubran-rural area of Asuncion-Villarica by the Government of Paraguay with the technical assistance of the World Health Organization. The development of this program is considered as the initial phase of a plan to extend the camapaign over the entire territory of Paraguay with the objective of reducing the morbidity caused by this disease to a minimum

To this end, the most efficient methods, techniques and health administration procedures, adapted to the social, economic and cultural needs of the population, will be put into practice. An appraisal of the efficiency of these methods is contamplated. The program cosists of a combined action of: medication against parasites, adequate waste disposal, and health education of the population

A study of the prevalence and intensity of hookworm infestation is under way. The surveys in Asuncion and Villarica have been completed and their results are rather eloquent: 49.9 per cent of the population of Asunción and 60.6 per cent of that of Villarica have been found to be infested, an indication of the extent of the endemicity in the country. It is assumed that rural percentages are even higher. The prevalence found in Asuncion is not uniform and varies from point to point, depending on several factors, the most important of which are: excreta disposal, use of shoes ...(AU)