PAHEF Supported Projects

Parasitic worm control in the Americas is a top priority of the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF). Millions of children and adults are adversely affected by worm infestations, and the treatment is now inexpensive and accessible. In fact, it can cost as little as two cents to cover one essential treatment per child (two treatments per year are sometimes necessary).

The Worm Busters Campaign builds on the successes of worm control efforts in the Americas. Since 2000, PAHEF and its generous donors have committed more than $170,000 to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Donations have supported the following program implementation, research and evaluation activities:

• Reduce disease caused by soil-transmitted worms and lymphatic filariasis in a high risk, poverty stricken endemic area in Maceio, Brazil.
• Conduct an epidemiological profile of intestinal worms in school-age children in Belize to establish public health actions needed to reduce disease.
• Design and implement a World Health Organization Communication-for-Behavioral Impact (COMBI) program for parasitic worm control in a PAHO member country.