Although hookworm is highly prevalent in the Solomon Islands, the species of hookworm is not always known. Hookworm disease disease causes iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition, leading to illness in pregnant women and children.

A group of researchers, including Atoifi Health Research Group researchers Dr Richard Bradbury, CQUniversity, Mr Humpress Harrington, Pacific Adventist University, and Late Professor Rick Speare, conducted a community-based hookworm study in response to community requests. In an article published in the journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers report a high prevalence of hookworm in some areas, the type of hookworms people have and that that hookworm control programs in Solomon Islands would benefit from considering a One Health approach, because, to be successful, these programs may have to control hookworms in humans, dogs, and cats simultaneously.

To read the article in full, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/23/2/16-0822_article

For more information about the STH work, or the Atoifi Health Research Group, please email: Mr Humpress Harrington humpress.harrington@gamil.com

Photo: Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworm. Photo sourced from: http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/07/12271/new-drug-prospect-offers-hope-aga...