(KPL) The World Health Organization (WHO), China, and Switzerland have launched a collaborative effort to eliminate schistosomiasis in Lao PDR through a new project aimed at strengthening community health and reducing poverty. With a total investment of USD 1.18 million, the initiative targets the elimination of the disease in two southern districts by 2030, with WHO certification expected by 2035.

Funding for the project includes USD 680,263 from the China Southern Fund for International Development and Cooperation (SDF) and USD 500,590 from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). These funds will support a range of activities designed to interrupt the transmission cycle of the disease among humans, animals, and snails — the primary hosts of the schistosoma parasite.

At the project’s launch ceremony, Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health, reaffirmed the Lao government’s commitment to eradicating schistosomiasis — locally known as hemorrhagic fever — from Khong and Mounlapamok districts in Champasak Province. He emphasized that success depends on serious collaboration across all levels of society.

"This is not a government task alone," Dr. Bounfeng stated. "Eliminating this disease requires the active involvement of sectors related to public health, education, agriculture, and more. If we do not coordinate effectively, we will not meet our goal."

Dr. Timothy Armstrong, WHO Representative in Lao PDR, added, "Schistosomiasis remains a major public health issue, although cases have dropped below 1% in endemic areas thanks to continued investments. However, poor hygiene practices still put children and adults — especially those working in agriculture or playing outdoors — at risk."

Schistosomiasis affects approximately 240 million people globally. In Lao PDR, an estimated 120,000 individuals across 202 villages in Khong and Mounlapamok districts are impacted, with school-aged children among the most vulnerable. Left untreated, the disease can cause serious health complications, including abdominal pain, liver and bladder damage, infertility, and in severe cases, death.

According to WHO, schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. In 2021, more than 251 million people worldwide required preventive treatment. Preventive chemotherapy, ideally administered annually for several years, has proven effective but remains accessible in only 51 of the 78 affected countries.

The new initiative in Lao PDR aims not only to eliminate the disease but also to demonstrate the power of cross-border, multi-sectoral cooperation in tackling neglected tropical diseases as part of the broader “One Health” approach.

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KPL