Deparisiting

Initiation of deparasting continues to be a slow process, although we are making progress. In order to demonstrate that there is in fact a need for deparasiting in the communities where we install filters (although we know that there is through experience) we ran lab tests of feces samples of seven beneficiaries of filters from Jimilie.

We found that each individual had between 1-4 different parasites, the three youngest sampled had the most. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence and intensity of worm infections peak in children aged ~6-15. This is also the age at which parasites can affect the body most, causing malnutrition, anaemia, stunted growth, and can retard both physical and cognitive development.

We have also made progress working with Dr. Alvaro Perez, a Santa Barbara Rotary Club member to determine which medications we need to buy. The next step is to find the best source for the parasite treatments and get started.

If you would like results from the tests please contact Agua Pura Santa Barbara at aguapurasb@gmail.com for a copy.