More good news from Congo!

Children playing in the Luapula River in DR Congo

Nearly 15 years ago we developed a major program in the Kasenga District of the Congo to combat schistosomiasis, a water-born blood fluke disease that first manifests itself in the urinary system but can migrate in the body and even cause death.   The good news is that one treatment with the proper medication cures the disease.  The bad news is it comes right back if the person is again exposed.   WHO had surveyed the area for interventions 30 years ago and thought success was such a long shot that they left.  At the villagers urging, however, we decided to try.  With the assistance of educational dramas in the villages, classes in the schools, the building of latrines throughout the villages, the clearing of the water plants where the snails lived, and screening and treatment, the disease was brought under control.  When we started the project we were very dubious about the long-term benefits of the program.  BUT the doctors in that area now tell us the program was actually very successful.  Very few people have been reinfected.  The gamble paid off big time!