The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium announced that the first preschool-aged child has been treated with arpraziquantel, a newly developed pediatric treatment option for schistosomiasis, a condition classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This milestone marks a significant step forward in addressing one of the world’s most prevalent parasitic diseases. 

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, affects an estimated 250 million people worldwide , including approximately 50 million preschool-aged children, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease can lead to malnutrition, anemia, stunted growth, and cognitive impairment. In extreme cases, it causes chronic organ damage or death. Until now, a child-friendly treatment specifically tailored for preschool-aged children was not available, leaving millions of preschoolers at risk. According to the WHO guideline for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis, children aged two years and older should be included in preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis. (Press release)