MWANZA: THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), plans to expand research on medicines for treating schistosomiasis in children under five to further assess the drug’s usage and pricing so that once it is officially registered, citizens can afford it.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Seif Shekalaghe, said this during the launching of a schistosomiasis research workshop in Mwanza, noting that studies have shown that children under five can contract schistosomiasis.
Elaborating, the PS noted that previously they were not aware that schistosomiasis could infect children under five, and there were no specific medicines for the age group, but now, the research has helped them identify a drug that can be used to treat them.
Additionally, he said that the drug is expected to enter further research stages after being proven effective and safe.
“Current efforts focus on expanding research to determine a price that will be affordable for citizens,” he said.
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He also noted that the drug has already been registered under the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), although it has not yet been included in the Ministry of Health’s official treatment guidelines.
Moreover, Mr Shekalaghe said that the government continues taking preventive measures against schistosomiasis by educating communities and distributing preventive treatment drugs to children aged six and above.
“The government has developed a strategy to provide medicine to children under five through this research. Once the study is completed, the drug will be incorporated into treatment guidelines to protect these children from schistosomiasis, ultimately contributing to a healthier nation,” he said.
Furthermore, he urged experts to closely supervise the research to ensure credible and beneficial results for citizens, while also encouraging communities to continue taking preventive measures against the disease.