10/12/2026
When communities understand the risks of neglected tropical diseases, they can take meaningful steps toward protecting their health.
In Bugarama, Rwanda, SMM partner Faustin is helping communities confront the burden of ascariasis and hookworm infections through health education, improved hygiene and sanitation practices, and community outreach as well as preaching about Jesus and sharing the good news of the gospel.
Before these efforts, some community members had limited knowledge of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), their transmission, and how to prevent infection. Through outreach activities supported by Faustin and the team, families are learning how everyday practices can help protect them from intestinal worms and other preventable illnesses.
Faustin reports increased community awareness, positive changes in health practices, and greater participation in health initiatives. Perhaps most encouragingly, people are sharing what they learn with their families, friends, and neighbors; extending the impact beyond those reached directly during outreach.
The training has further strengthened the team's ability to plan and implement activities before, during, and after community outreaches, including follow-up to reinforce health messages and encourage sustained behavior change.
Ascariasis and hookwormWhen communities understand the risks of neglected tropical diseases, they can take meaningful steps toward protecting their health.
In Bugarama, Rwanda, SMM partner Faustin is helping communities confront the burden of ascariasis and hookworm infections through health education, improved hygiene and sanitation practices, and community outreach as well as preaching about Jesus and sharing the good news of the gospel.
Before these efforts, some community members had limited knowledge of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), their transmission, and how to prevent infection. Through outreach activities supported by Faustin and the team, families are learning how everyday practices can help protect them from intestinal worms and other preventable illnesses.
Faustin reports increased community awareness, positive changes in health practices, and greater participation in health initiatives. Perhaps most encouragingly, people are sharing what they learn with their families, friends, and neighbors; extending the impact beyond those reached directly during outreach.
The training has further strengthened the team's ability to plan and implement activities before, during, and after community outreaches, including follow-up to reinforce health messages and encourage sustained behavior change.
Ascariasis and hookworm infections can affect children's nutrition, growth, and overall health. Prevention requires a combination of appropriate deworming treatment, safe water, proper sanitation, handwashing, and health education. Hookworm infections can also cause blood loss and anemia, making prevention and timely treatment especially important.
By equipping communities with practical knowledge and encouraging healthier practices, Faustin is helping build a foundation for better health and long-term NTD control.
We celebrate Faustin and the people of Bugarama for taking steps toward a future where preventable diseases no longer limit children's potential or community well-being.
infections can affect children's nutrition, growth, and overall health. Prevention requires a combination of appropriate deworming treatment, safe water, proper sanitation, handwashing, and health education. Hookworm infections can also cause blood loss and anemia, making prevention and timely treatment especially important.
By equipping communities with practical knowledge and encouraging healthier practices, Faustin is helping build a foundation for better health and long-term NTD control.
We celebrate Faustin and the people of Bugarama for taking steps toward a future where preventable diseases no longer limit children's potential or community well-being.
