738 Bulletin of the World Health Organization | October 2008, 86 (10) Global trends in schistosomiasis control

Schistosomiasis remains a global health problem in the 21st century with an estimated 200 million people in 74 countries infected, of whom 85 % are living in sub-Saharan Africa.1 In 2001, at the 54th World Health Assembly, every Member State endorsed resolu-tion WHA 54.19 to promote preventive measures, ensure treatment and mobilize resources for the control of schistoso-miasis and soil-transmitted helminths. The goal is to treat between 75 % and 100 % of all school-age children at risk of morbidity by 2010.2 Praziquantel provides effective