Bilharzia & Intestinal Worms Campaign in Franceville, Gabon

73,001 children in and around Franceville are the focus of a big push to reduce intestinal worms and bilharzia. The Ministry of Health, backed by WHO, launched the campaign in March 2024 to treat kids aged 5–14 with Mebendazole and Praziquantel. That number matters — treating large groups at once slows transmission and protects growth, school attendance, and daily energy.

How the campaign works

This is a mass treatment drive. Health teams visit schools and community sites to give single-dose medicines: Mebendazole for common intestinal worms and Praziquantel for schistosomiasis (bilharzia). WHO support usually includes training for health workers, supplies, and monitoring tools so teams can reach the planned 73,001 children safely and efficiently. The goal is quick, widespread coverage rather than individual diagnosis — that’s standard for public-health deworming campaigns where infection is common.

Why treat everyone in that age group? Kids 5–14 often carry the highest worm loads because of play habits and limited access to clean water and toilets. Regular treatment reduces anemia, boosts growth, and helps kids stay in school. It also lowers the pool of infection in the community, so fewer people catch or pass on parasites.

What parents and communities should know

If you’re a parent in Franceville, expect schools or local clinics to notify you about dates and consent. The medicines given are widely used in public health and are generally safe. Kids might feel mild side effects like stomach upset or dizziness for a short time — health teams will explain what to watch for and where to get help. If a child has a known medical condition or is currently sick, check with the local health worker before treatment.

Beyond tablets, stopping reinfection depends on water, sanitation, and hygiene. Simple steps help a lot: encourage handwashing with soap, avoid walking barefoot in wet soil, and use safe water for drinking and bathing. Communities that pair mass treatment with clean water and toilets see longer-lasting results.

For readers outside Franceville: campaigns like this are common where parasitic infections are widespread. They’re a practical, cost-effective way to protect child health at scale. If you want to help locally, ask health teams how you can support outreach, hygiene education, or monitoring efforts.

This March 2024 campaign is a clear, targeted effort — large numbers, proven medicines, and coordination with WHO. Keep an eye on local health notices for exact dates, follow guidance from health workers, and support simple hygiene measures at home to make the treatment stick.