Intestinal parasitic infestation in rural communities: a focus for primary health care in Nigeria.

A study carried out in four villages in two local government areas of Oyo State in the southwestern part of Nigeria, revealed that intestinal helminthiasis is still very prevalent in Nigeria. Ascaris is the most common helminth encountered and multiple infestation is also quite common. Schoolchildren and pre-school children are the greatest sufferers of Ascaris, while students and farmers are the greatest target for hookworm. The usefulness of a community-based distribution programme of health services using trained traditional birth attendants and voluntary health workers for data collection and distribution of antihelminth drugs is discussed.