GlaxoSmithKline to expand intestinal worm treatment donations

GlaxoSmithKline is to expand its programme of treatment donations for children at risk of intestinal worms as part of a new World Health Organization (WHO) initiative.

The pharmaceutical firm will increase production capacity of the drug albendazole via investments in its factories in South Africa and India, allowing for the production of 400 million additional treatment doses each year.

It comes in response to a report from the WHO which reveals that intestinal worms – also known as soil-transmitted helminths – cause more health problems among African schoolchildren than any other infection.

GlaxoSmithKline expressed hope that its commitment will assist the WHO in its new initiative to provide annual de-worming treatment for all children aged below 16 in affected areas.

Andrew Witty, chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline, said: "The scale of what is required to prevent and treat neglected tropical diseases means it is critical we take an integrated approach."

Last month, the firm announced that it will be allying with the Bone and Joint Decade international initiative to raise awareness of issues related to joint pain.