Our Dream Big campaign runs until 7 December - click here to donate! INTESTINAL WORMS Intestinal worm infections, or soil-transmitted helminthiasis, are estimated to infect over 1 billion people all over the world. Depending on the species, the worms can grow between 1cm to 35cm in length and live in the intestines, feeding on the host’s tissues. The infection is transmitted by eggs present in human faeces, which contaminate the soil in areas where sanitation is poor. Depending on the species, transmission is by: Ingesting eggs Larvae hatched in soil actively penetrating skin HOW TRANSMISSION IS SUSTAINED GLOBAL POVERTY DISTRIBUTION Because many children affected by the disease suffer from stunted physical and cognitive development, this can affect their ability to work productively in adult life, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. The maps below show a link between global poverty distribution and areas that are at high risk of infection. AREAS AT RISK OF INFECTION Treatment is safe and effective. But in 2016, only 48% of school-age children needing treatment globally actually received it. 719 million still need treatment. With your support, even more people can be reached. Please make a donation today. SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST Follow us: Contact us Jobs Join our mailing list Safeguarding Privacy Policy Media Centre SCI Foundation is recommended by: SCI Foundation is a charity registered in England & Wales SCI Foundation, Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DP | Registered company number 11775313 | Registered charity number 1182166 © SCI Foundation 2021 We’ve placed functionality cookies on your device to help our website run effectively. By clicking OK, you agree to our use of cookies. See our Privacy Policy for full info and how to disable these cookies through your browser settings. If you don’t click OK, we’ll restrict the use of analytics cookies. OK