At the request of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health (MOH), the RVF has agreed to assist in conducting a mass campaign against soil-transmitted helminthes among the general population, with a special focus on school-aged children. In 2008 the deworming campaign treated 400,000 individuals, representing the entire population of the Batken region, one of the poorest regions in a country. In 2009, the campaign is targeting over 1 million school children and adults in neighboring Osh oblast for treatment. The goal of the campaign, which will proceed according to WHO guidelines, is to decrease the infestation level of helminthes through direct treatment as well as intense educational activities for children and their families highlighting effective sanitary-hygienic practices designed to prevent reinfection.