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The Case for Mass Treatment of Intestinal Helminths in Endemic Areas

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  • Joan Hamory Hicks
  • Michael Kremer
  • Edward Miguel

Abstract

Two articles published earlier this year in the International Journal of Epidemiology [1,2] have re-ignited the debate over the World Health Organization’s long-held recommendation of mass-treatment of intestinal helminths in endemic areas. In this note, we discuss the content and relevance of these articles to the policy debate, and review the broader research literature on the educational and economic impacts of deworming. We conclude that existing evidence still indicates that mass deworming is a cost-effective health investment for governments in low-income countries where worm infections are widespread.

Suggested Citation

  • Joan Hamory Hicks & Michael Kremer & Edward Miguel, 2015. "The Case for Mass Treatment of Intestinal Helminths in Endemic Areas," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(10), pages 1-5, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pntd00:0004214
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004214
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Owen Ozier, 2018. "Exploiting Externalities to Estimate the Long-Term Effects of Early Childhood Deworming," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 10(3), pages 235-262, July.
    2. Amrita Ahuja & Sarah Baird & Joan Hamory Hicks & Michael Kremer & Edward Miguel & Shawn Powers, 2015. "When Should Governments Subsidize Health? The Case of Mass Deworming," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 29(suppl_1), pages 9-24.
    3. Edward Miguel & Michael Kremer, 2004. "Worms: Identifying Impacts on Education and Health in the Presence of Treatment Externalities," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 72(1), pages 159-217, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dominic Rohner, 2018. "Success Factors for Peace Treaties: A Review of Theory and Evidence," Cahiers de Recherches Economiques du Département d'économie 18.08, Université de Lausanne, Faculté des HEC, Département d’économie.
    2. Nathan C Lo & Jedidiah Snyder & David G Addiss & Sam Heft-Neal & Jason R Andrews & Eran Bendavid, 2018. "Deworming in pre-school age children: A global empirical analysis of health outcomes," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(5), pages 1-13, May.

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