Parasitic worms
Developing missing cures for disabling and stigmatizing diseases
Parasitic worms
Developing missing cures for disabling and stigmatizing diseases
Caused by parasitic worms and most common in tropical and subtropical regions, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis affect millions of people worldwide. They take their heaviest toll on communities already vulnerable due to poverty and limited access to clean water and sanitation. They can cause significant illness, lifelong harm, permanent disability, and in severe cases, death.
Existing treatments are often insufficient. They may not provide a complete cure, face risks of emerging resistance, and remain unavailable outside of preventive mass drug administration campaigns. Current strategies to control their spread mostly rely on the mass administration of anti-helminthic drugs that must be given to all people living in endemic areas for up to a decade.
What we’re doing for parasitic worm diseases
We are joining forces with partners to develop new treatments that can cure parasitic worm diseases before they cause lasting harm – and working to make sure they are suitable for all people who need them, including young children and pregnant women.
River blindness
Causes vision loss and eventually permanent blindness if left untreated.
Schistosomiasis
Can cause organ damage and long-term reproductive harm – especially for women and girls.
Lymphatic filariasis
Causes painful and disabling swelling of the limbs requiring continuous medical care.
Parasitic worm diseases news & resources
Making medical history for neglected patients
We develop urgently needed treatments for neglected patients and ensure they’re affordable, available, and adapted to the communities who need them
Stay connected
Get our latest news, personal stories, research articles, and job opportunities.
