In Angola, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis remain major public health challenges, particularly affecting children’s nutrition, learning ability, and school performance in endemic regions. Addressing these diseases is essential for promoting child development and equitable access to health care.
Aligned with global health commitments and the 2030 Agenda, Angola aims to eliminate schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis as public health problems by 2030. Deworming campaigns serve as a strategic, cost-effective intervention to reduce the impact of these diseases and support the holistic development of children.
Under the Girl Empowerment and Learning for All Project (PAT II), Subcomponent 1.1-School Health, the Ministries of Education and Health, with technical support from WHO and partners, implemented two rounds of the National School Deworming Campaign. The campaign ran from November 2024 to May–June 2025, covering 12 provinces and reaching 3,294,513 children and adolescents aged 5 to 14, achieving 91% of the target coverage across 5,281 schools.
The campaign’s success was largely attributed to a cascade training model, beginning with Gender Focal Points and provincial teams, then progressing to municipal technicians and school principals. Communication and social mobilization activities helped address resistance, misinformation, and concerns about the drugs. According to Health Minister Dr. Silvia Lutucuta, strong support from Municipal Health and Education Directorates, WHO, community organizations, school principals, traditional authorities, and volunteers was key to the campaign’s effectiveness.
By using schools as a health platform, the campaign demonstrated that it is possible to reach large numbers of school-age children equitably. This approach not only protects children’s health but also reduces school absenteeism, improves academic performance, and promotes quality learning.
The campaign also highlighted the government and technical teams’ ability to implement large-scale interventions in both urban and rural areas, overcoming logistical challenges and applying best practices.
The results presentation ceremony, held on 12 December 2025 in Luanda, concluded with a Declaration of Commitment to continue School Health actions. WHO reaffirmed its support to the Ministry of Health in expanding good practices, modernizing information systems, and ensuring increasingly effective, equitable, and sustainable interventions. Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, emphasized that healthy children contribute to healthy families, resilient communities, and Angola’s future.
