Ministry of Health undertakes public awareness efforts on schistosomiasis

Saint Lucia is taking a major step towards confirming the elimination of schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia. While the prevalence of the disease is at extremely low levels with only 36 cases recorded in the past decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) requires countries to demonstrate zero cases to confirm elimination status. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs has made it a priority to conduct a national survey among primary school students to determine if the country is at the level of elimination. In addition, the ministry is ramping up public education efforts about schistosomiasis.