A report on the prevalence of hookworm infection among children in the Philippines

Hookworm is one of the soil-transmitted helminths (STH) that are commonly found in the intestines of their host and can be contracted through direct contact with contaminated soil. The infection is further classified through its species: Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Children (3-14 years old) are highly vulnerable due to their behaviors such as being in open defecation, which further leads to direct contact. In 2020, reports showed that over 576 million are infected with hookworm. Herewith, the Department of Health has established programs such as the Integrated Helminth Control Program wherein Harmonized Schedule and Combined Mass Drug Administration, and the Sustainable Asia Program - Philippine Component in partnership with the Department of Environment and National Resources. Both aim to prevent and lessen the prevalence of hookworm infection by 2022 through basic hygiene and sanitation education, and treatment in schools and communities. However, there are no updates regarding these programs in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to present the prevalence of hookworm infections among children in the Philippines. Specific guidelines were followed to accomplish the chosen papers, which resulted in a total of 9 studies out of 13, 518. To conclude, results from the selected studies show that hookworm infection is the most prevalent among children and indigenous people, specifically those who are, on average, 11 years old, and live in low-income rural households with little to no access to safe drinking water and poor sanitation