Research priorities in 2005

• Development of tests for rapid assessment of the prevalence of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis.

• Evaluation of more sensitive and specific diagnostic tools for use in areas of low schistosomiasis endemicity.

• Studies investigating the impact of Schistosoma and Soil-Transmitted Helminth infections on anaemia, cognitive development, educational achievements of schoolchildren and workers’ productivity.

• Development of effective and practical measures of (micro)focal transmission control including mapping, use of molluscicides, environmental management and ecotoxicology.

• Studies investigating the impact of repeated deworming on the susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections and on the effectiveness of vaccines in routine child immunization programmes.