Mass deworming
Mass Deworming
Mass deworming (pronunciation: /mæs diːwɜːrmɪŋ/) refers to the large-scale public health strategy of treating entire communities or populations for parasitic worm infections, without prior individual diagnosis.
Etymology
The term "mass deworming" is derived from the English words "mass" and "deworming". "Mass" (from Old English mæsse, from Latin missa) refers to a large number or quantity, while "deworming" (from Old English dē-wyrmian) refers to the process of removing parasites, specifically worms, from the body.
Related Terms
- Helminthiasis: A medical condition where a part of the body is infected with parasitic worms, such as roundworm, fluke, or tapeworm.
- Anthelmintic: A type of drug that expels parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them.
- Parasitology: The study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them.
Mass Deworming Programs
Mass deworming programs are often implemented in areas with high rates of parasitic worm infections, such as in many developing countries. These programs typically involve the distribution of anthelmintic drugs to all individuals in a particular community or population, regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with a worm infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mass deworming as a key strategy for controlling and eliminating these infections.
Criticisms and Controversies
While mass deworming has been shown to be effective in reducing the prevalence of worm infections, it has also been the subject of some controversy. Critics argue that mass deworming programs can lead to drug resistance among parasites, and that they may not be the most cost-effective way to improve public health in areas with high rates of worm infections.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mass deworming
- Wikipedia's article - Mass deworming
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