Only 2.7% and not 27% have bilharzia

Dear editor, I really appreciate the article that was written on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) because it addressed health issues that have not been given enough and due attention especially in coverage and other many ways.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Dear editor,

I really appreciate the article that was written on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) because it addressed health issues that have not been given enough and due attention especially in coverage and other many ways.

The article gave good findings and indeed gave us the right image of the situation in the country and how much the international community is lending a hand in the fight against the diseases.

However, there was a typographical error, where 2.7 percent (of people with Bilharzias) were cited as being 27 percent.

The findings of a research conducted by Access Project last year, in eight districts of the country, show that 64% of Rwandans suffer from diseases transmitted through soils, while 2.7% have Bilharzias.

In Musanze and Burera districts alone, 90% of the residents have worms. I also wish the Rwandans the best in the fight against the disease causes.

Thanks to the international non-governmental organisation- Access Project, for the efforts against Neglected Tropical Diseases, especially in rural areas.

Kicukiro