OVERVIEW OF INTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS IN NIGERIA: REGIONAL PATTERNS, CONTRIBUTING FACTORS, AND THE PARADOX OF PROLONGED WASH INTERVENTIONS

This study reviewed the current report helminthiasis in Nigeria. This study revealed that prevalence of intestinal helminth in the country has not declined since the1970s. Ascarislumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth in the Southwestern and South-southern parts of Nigeria. Hookworm was the most prevalent helminth infection in the Southeastern while multiple infections were highly prevalent in Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has benefited from the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme for over thirty years in the aspects of enhanced capacity building for applying personal hygiene and sanitation, improved water sources and provision of sanitation facilities and the National Emergency Group for coordination of emergency preparedness and response for WASH-related diseases. Despite the prevalence of helminth infections in Nigeria is still very high and alarming. The factors identified for the high prevalence include socio-economic status, culture and ignorance; attitudes and behaviours toward hygiene and sanitation are also critical.