Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis Mapping System in the Philippines

Abstract

Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH), a neglected tropical disease, is endemic to the Philippines. Roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm are some of the common intestinal parasites in the country which can cause malnutrition, anemia, and growth retardation that mostly affect children and women. The Department of Health has created a Soil Transmitted Helminth Control Program and a support system will be helpful to achieve their goal of reducing the morbidity and mortality due to STH infection. In this study, a support tool that maps the prevalence of STH in the Philippines starting from the barangay all the way up to the regional level using GIS was developed.