Neglected Tropical Disease Day: How a DGH study is making strides towards STH elimination

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 20 conditions, such as dengue, leprosy, and intestinal worms. NTDs affect over 1 billion people globally, and are associated with devastating health, social, and economic outcomes including permanent disability and impoverishment. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to mobilize political will, community commitment, resources, and action needed to end unnecessary suffering from NTDs and shed light on the strides made in combating NTDs. As such, several NTDs are targeted for control for elimination by 2030.

Global Health Professor Receives Grant to Investigate Innovative Detection Methods to Eliminate Intestinal Worm Infections

Judd Walson, a University of Washington professor of Global Health, Medicine, and Pediatrics, recently received $621,029 in funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a research grant focused on the development of a molecular diagnostic platform for the detection of soil transmitted helminths (STH), commonly known as parasitic worms. Investigators will use these methods to support a large, multi-country, randomized trial evaluating the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission through expanded mass drug administration.

The Seattle Times: Putting an End to Intestinal Worms

By University of Washington

For two billion people around the planet, anemia, weakness and malaise are part of daily life.

These symptoms are part of living with soil-transmitted helminths – more commonly known as intestinal worms – that inhabit victims’ bellies, sapping their nutrients and stunting their physical and cognitive development.