Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis (STH), caused by common roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms, remains a public health concern in the Philippines. Considered among the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) or infectious diseases of poverty, STH are related to poor physical health, nutritional status, and school performance in children. Disease burden of STH in the country among vulnerable and high-risk groups is quite high and way above the global standard of less than 20% Cumulative Prevalence (CP). As such, this program aims to reduce the Cumulative Prevalence of STH to less than 20% and Prevalence of Moderate to Heavy Intensity Infection (MHII) to less than 2%.
STH-Free Philippines
Synchronized and harmonized public-private stakeholders’ effort in the control of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) in the Philippines.
- Administrative Order No. 30-F s.1999 (Implementation of STH Control Program)
- Administrative Order No. 2006-0028 (IHCP Operational and Strategic Framework)
- Department Memorandum No. 2020-0260 Interim Guidelines on Integrated Helminth Control Program and Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Department Circular No. 2020-0302 Delivery of Routine Deworming Services under the Integrated Helminth Control Program (HCP) during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Elimination of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis as a Public Health Program in Pre-school Children (PSAC) and School Age Children (SAC) by 2022
- (Prevalence of Moderate to Heavy Intensity Infection (MHII) of less than 2% in PSAC and SAC).
Comprehensive Packages
- Harmonized Schedule and Combined Mass Drug Administration (HSCMDA) for the month of January and July in health centers, stations and schools.
- Diagnosis and selective treatment in health centers
- Provision of safe drinking water, basic sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in schools and community
- Health promotion and hygiene education
National/Government
- Department of Education (DepEd)
- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Public Information Agency (PIA)
- Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)
Local/Youth/CSOs, NGOs
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Vitamin Angels
International Partners
- Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Save the Children
- Plan International