The coverage rate exceeded 95%. Now the United States Department of State is funding the next phase of the national campaign, which targets over 1 million children and adults in Batken and neighboring Osh oblasts for treatment in 2009.

The burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Kyrgyzstan is extraordinarily high. Epidemiologic surveys conducted by The Swiss Tropical Institute, UNICEF and local governments have consistently shown parasite burdens of 50% or more among the general populations, especially among school-aged children. Offending pathogens include Enterobius, Ascaris, and Trichuria. These intestinal worms cause children to suffer from reduced growth rates, learning problems, poor school attendance, malnutrition and anemia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most effective and immediate way to reduce the morbidity associated with these soil-transmitted helminths is to mount regular deworming campaigns using the safe, inexpensive and highly effective treatment with either mebendazole or albendazole. Long term measures include the implementation of public health measures and educational efforts to improve sanitation and access to safe water and raise public awareness of hygienic measures to prevent reinfection.

As in the first phase of the national campaign in Batken oblast, this expanded program is based in the local schools and implemented entirely by Kyrgyz health care workers. The support of the RVF includes the provision of 1.3 million tablets of chewable, mint-flavored albendazole, which children like and thus will help ensure program compliance, video and printed materials to raise awareness of basic methods of hygiene among parents and children, training for health care workers and school administrators, monitoring of program planning and execution by local and international RVF representatives, as well as an epidemiological survey to assess the efficacy of the deworming campaign.

It is the intention of the RVF to assist the Kyrgyz MOH in realizing its plan to extend the deworming campaign to the entire country. In addition the RVF is seeking funding to respond to the requests for assistance from neighboring countries, such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, in addressing helminth infections in their respective populations.