In regions where the parasite is known to be present, you annually give two medications that kill the worms. With the exception of pregnant women and children under two years of age, these drugs are given to everyone in the region without testing each person for the infection. |
The drugs are free or inexpensive, but distribution on this scale in rural villages and poor areas is a big, expensive job. Donations from foundations and wealthy countries helped fund the distribution in Egypt, and more of that same support is needed for campaigns in other countries. |
The manufacturers of the first two drugs later generously decided to donate the medicines to the global program. The third medicine is not free but is very inexpensive. |