The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control programme has established that 65 percent of school age children national wide suffer from intestinal worms, according to a report released from a survey.

The NTD control programme works with government to eliminate five of the most prevalent NTDs which include Intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, trachoma, Lymphatic filariasis and ochocerciasis (river blindness).

According to Dorine Kayirebwa, the Community Mobilization officer of the programme, the survey which started in 2007 was conducted through a sample of six primary schools from each of the 30 districts.

Findings of the report also indicate that schistosomiasis (snail fever) was found around water bodies and trachoma, a bacterial eye infection exists in only two districts of Gatsibo and Nyaruguru.

It further shows that in some areas, there was lack of information on existence of the diseases.

During the presentation of the report to reporters last week at the National Blood Transfusion Centre, Kayirebwa called for a mass drug administration.

As a way forward, it was emphasized that sensitizing children through school health programmes and community health work, advocacy for proper sanitation and use of clean water as well as behavioural change will limit infections amongst children.

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