Intestinal parasites, or worms, infect roughly 40 percent of the world's children, robbing them of strength and nutrition, the ability to sleep and concentrate, and compromising their immune systems.
Worms infect the lining of the intestines and absorb important nutrients, and are especially dangerous in children who don’t get enough to eat.
Worm infestations cause skin problems, lethargy, intestinal distress and can retard mental development and growth.
People pick up hookworms by walking barefoot and digging in dirt, and the risk of infection is heightened by the lack of hygiene and sanitation in many rural communities.
Roundworms get into the body through the mouth, when people ingest unboiled, polluted water from rivers, streams and ponds.
World Concern works in collaboration with several other agencies to secure and distribute deworming medication to school children all over the world.
In fiscal year 2007, we will purchase and coordinate the shipment of $57.7 million worth of medicine (Albendazole and Mebendazole) to more than 5.6 million children in 11 countries.
The medicine is distributed by World Concern and its partners to the poorest children in the world, most of whom live in rural areas.
The program would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Imres BV, World Vision, Food for the Hungry, Operation Blessing and Vitamin Angels.
Your gift of $44 will provide deworming medicine, vitamin A and hygiene education for 100 children.
Your donations are used to provide children with two annual doses of deworming medication which are usually distributed in area schools to all children in the region, whether they are enrolled in school or not.
Deworming medicine is very safe and cost effective, and can be used to treat all children without harmful side effects.
Along with deworming medicine, your gifts provide the children with Vitamin A, a common deficiency that can lead to blindness in children with intestinal worms.
Your donations also provide hygiene and sanitation training to teachers and other community leaders so they can teach children and families about prevention methods, such as hand washing and using latrines.
World Concern often helps develop clean water and sanitation systems in the villages and schools where we work.
