AUTHOR=Ngowi Helena A. , Makingi George , Mlowe Fredy , Wilson Christina , Kajuna Flora , Kabululu Mwemezi , Churi Ayubu , Nyangi Chacha , Nanyaro Mary-Winnie , Melkiory Innocent , Nonga Cosmas , Matembo Shanel V. , Ngowi Bernard James , Kivava Fatna , Kitundu Christina , Nyerere Antony , Mkupasi Ernatus 

TITLE=Effective and sustainable prevention and control of pork tapeworm diseases in humans and pigs in Tanzania: a policy brief

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

VOLUME=Volume 5 - 2024

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/tropical-diseases/articles/10.3389/fitd.2024.1453965

DOI=10.3389/fitd.2024.1453965

ISSN=2673-7515

ABSTRACT=Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is a parasite that causes serious diseases in humans and pigs. The parasite causes epilepsy in humans and is estimated to be responsible for approximately 212 deaths per year in Tanzania. The parasite costs Tanzanian society approximately USD 8 million annually due to costs for management of epilepsy caused by the parasite (USD 5 million) and losses due to condemnation of infected pork (USD 3 million). Pork tapeworm diseases are currently not a control and prevention priority in Tanzania, and collaborative efforts among relevant sectors at various levels are limited. This policy brief recommends a One Health approach for effective and sustainable control of the pork tapeworm diseases. It puts forward fourteen actionable recommendations for the country to achieve this goal