Médecins Sans Frontières - Schistosomiasis Explainer

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSB220735

Date taken / Date Recorded 27/01/2025 1:42 PM

Country Kenya, Mozambique

Commissioning section MSF-SWITZERLAND

Copyright MSF

Usage Rights (MSF) External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Editor's rating ★★★ (F)

Video format h264 (Main) (avc1 / 0x31637661)

Duration 1m27s

Maximum Size 1080px × 1920px 205.26 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist 1
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Each year, over
200 million people worldwide

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are affected by
a parasitic disease

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called schistosomiasis.

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It’s a neglected
tropical disease

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spread when people
wade or bathe

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in water containing
the parasite's larvae,

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which can enter the body
through the skin.

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It’s also known
as 'snail fever,'

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because larval forms
of the parasite

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are released by snails.

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Once inside the body,

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they can cause serious damage
to organs over time.

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But here’s the thing:

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if not easily preventable
everywhere,

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it’s definitely treatable!

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Schistosomiasis affects
people living in areas

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with poor sanitation

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and thrives where access
to clean water and healthcare

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is limited such as Dadaab
Refugee camps in Kenya,

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where our teams have
lately reported new cases.

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It hits children the hardest,

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leading to anemia,
stunted growth,

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and long-term organ damage.

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While safe and effective medicine
exists — like praziquantel,

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Issues like cost,
distribution challenges,

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and a lack of awareness mean
millions are left untreated.

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This is especially unfair because

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these medicines can prevent
lifelong complications

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and even save lives.

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Organizations like MSF and
global health initiatives

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are working to improve access,

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but there’s still so much to be done

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to make treatment available
to everyone, everywhere.

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We need to improve access to medicines

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and reduce the burden of
neglected tropical diseases

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like Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis Explainer - ENGLISH

Schistosomiasis Explainer - ENGLISH