An intervention proven to make an impact.

Parasitic worms in children can lead to malnutrition while causing pain, discomfort, and illness.

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Worm infections can result in fatigue and lethargy.

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Worm infections lead to an increased susceptibility to illness and disease (e.g., anemia, intestinal obstruction).

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Worms diminish the ability to properly absorb vitamins.

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Children infected by worms often do not exhibit visible signs or symptoms.

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Children with worms may have abdominal pain and distention.

How it works
  1. 1

    To kill parasitic worms, children receive a deworming tablet, like albendazole, twice a year.

  2. 2

    Children expel worms via stools - often as early as the next day.

  3. 3

    Once children are free of parasitic worms, their bodies can better absorb vitamin A and other available nutrients.

Worms Threaten 266 Million Children Worldwide.

Getting dirty is part of childhood. But for children in developing countries, playing in the dirt can put them at risk of contracting parasitic worms.

Many children walk around barefoot, because shoes are unaffordable or impractical. But worms live in the soil where they run and play.

Soil is more likely to become contaminated by worm eggs or larvae in areas that lack sanitation or are populated by animals.

Unclean hands, tools, or food are vehicles for parasites to easily travel from contaminated soil to the mouths of children.

Children who are the most vulnerable to intestinal worms are often missed by government deworming programs.

Did You Know?

Worms are also classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (or NTD), which prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions. Intestinal worms may also be referred to as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH).

Did You Know?

Vitamin Angels is a founding member of the STH Coalition, a consortium of implementers, funders, experts and supporters working together to eliminate worms in children.

Did You Know?

Improvements to sanitation and hygiene are important long-term efforts to help stop the transfer of intestinal worms. Along with deworming children, Vitamin Angels’ program partners may provide educational materials to improve sanitation and hygiene.

Did You Know?

Our work supports UN Sustainable Development Goals. Vitamin A and deworming tablets, given to at-risk children < 5 years old, fights immediate risks of illness or death (Goal #3) helps to end malnutrition in children under 5 years (Goal #2), and helps build children's foundations for long-term success, including to eradicate poverty (Goal #1).

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*According to the World Health Organization, "Over 270 million preschool-age children and over 600 million school-age children live in areas where these parasites are intensively transmitted, and are in need of treatment and preventive interventions." Vitamin Angels serves children 12 to 59 months of age.
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