Since its foundation in 2002, Unlimit Health (formerly SCI Foundation) has supported the delivery of over 200 million treatments for parasitic worm infections. The programs that Unlimit Health supports can reduce infections by up to 60% after just one round of treatment.
According to Unlimit Health, parasitic worm infections are estimated to infect over one billion people in some of the world’s poorest communities. The highest levels of infection are mostly found in school-age children.
These infections can result in impaired child development, reduced school attendance, reduced productivity, internal organ damage, increased risk of HIV in women, and infertility.
However, treating schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections can improve people’s lives in several ways. Treatment is safe and effective. Studies show that early and regular treatment has the potential to
- increase school attendance by up to 25%,
- increase future earnings by 40%, and
- reduce the damaging effects of infection.
The majority of programs supported by Unlimit Health treat school-age children (5–14 years old), but can include at-risk adults.
Treatment is cost effective. Just £1 (about $1.70 CAD) provides treatment for up to three people.
