Towards the eradication of hookworm in an isolated Australian community

Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) and other enteric parasites such as Giardia and Hymenolepis are common in Aboriginal communities in northern Australia, and their presence is associated with iron deficiency, anaemia, and failure to thrive. We report the outcome of a sustained, community-based control programme that used regular albendazole in one isolated community. Whereas hookworm has been effectively controlled by the programme, no sustained effect on the prevalence of Giardia and Hymenolepis was seen; the control of these parasites will depend on improvements in health education. This programme might serve as a model for community-based or population-based drug treatment programmes elsewhere.