Who are you trying to help? What issue are you trying to address?

The African nation of Burundi conducts countrywide Deworming Campaigns twice per year, and these campaigns are targeted towards eradicating the following parasites: Schistosomiasis, Onchocerciasis and Helminthiasis.

Whilst the campaigns are conducted in all 45 Districts, the incidences are unique to particular Districts. Schistosomiasis, for example, is prevalent in 18 Districts, and in addition to National Campaigns there are routine facility treatment offered. Onchocerciasis is more prevalent in 10 Districts, while Helminthiasis is common in all 45 districts.

Though there is very little data on the prevalence levels of these different parasites, the rates for Helminthiasis (i.e. Hookworms and Ascariasis) is currently estimated at 29%+ and the three year plan for the Ministry of Health is to bring prevalence rates below the WHO’s aspirational target level of 20%.
(Prevalence of Onchocerciasis is estimated at above 15%, and the target is to reduce this below 10%.)

The distribution of Albendazole though the National Deworming Campaign targets three main demographic groups countrywide: Pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters (approx. 300,362), school-aged children (approx. 2,353,018), and children under 5 years (approx. 1,283,240).

What is your project and how will it help?

From 2009 – 2013, Food for the Hungry/Burundi (FH/B) committed to providing the bulk of deworming tablets (i.e. Albendazole 400mg and Mebendazole 500mg Single-Dose Chewable Flavored Tablets) used in the National Deworming Campaign.

FH/B is also involved in conducting Health and Wellness Training in 6 of the country’s 17 Provinces, and is playing a major role in sensitizing and training men and women regarding preventing infection, and encouraging families to take their children for treatment during the Campaigns.

FH/Burundi is also involved in the follow up of cases in their areas of programmatic operation to ensure that families are well advised, and that they follow the appropriate steps to ensure that parasites are eradicated.

How can other people partner with you on your project?

People can certainly consider partnering with Food for the Hungry/Burundi in several very practical ways:

1. Providing all (or a portion of) the much-needed Albendazole tablets/ treatments for Burundi’s National Deworming Campaigns. Over 7MM tablets are needed for the two semi-annual Campaigns, and another 2.5MM tablets are necessary for routine Health Facility administration.

2. The campaigns require Distribution/ Supply Chain logistics, and whilst the Government and UNICEF normally take the lead in logistical planning, budget support for the Distribution effort is critical.

3. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Continued monitoring of case follow up at the country’s Health Centers is essential, as is the need for education and sensitization of the population regarding the risks and prevention of parasite infection.

Please detail the resources that you need.

In addition to funding for Distribution/ Supply Chain logistics and M&E, the key need is for Deworming Tablets – specifically as follows:

1. Albendazole 400mg Single-Dose Chewable Flavored Tablets (9.5MM+ per annum), or 2. Mebendazole 500mg Single-Dose Chewable Flavored Tablets (9.5MM+ per annum).

Cost to deworm one child = 0.05 US$