Khartoum – Federal Ministry of Health launched yesterday the Sudanese – German cooperation to control schistosoma (bilharzias) by donating Sudan 6 million medications from German Pharmaceutical Gient Merck, to tread the parasitic infection schistosoma (bilharzias) with a cost of Euros 500,000.

Ministry of Health Undersecretary, Dr. Essam Mohammed Abdallah said in a press conference that the cooperation comes within the framework of the Ministry's Programme to control disease.

 

He affirmed the keenness of the Ministry to expand partnership with the private sector, adding that it is the first time to include the support of schistosoma in the Ministry of Finance budget.

Speaking to the press conference, the German Ambassador to Khartoum, Rolf Welberts said that his country is keen to keep up its health commitment to Sudan.

"This is the beginning of Sudanese-German cooperation, especially as schistosoma is a disease that is often neglected and which requires early treatment" he said.

Spokesperson for Merck, Frank Gotthardt said that his company is a pioneer of medication for the prevention and treatment of schistosoma.

"Merck has a long history of helping countries affected by the disease and will stay committed to helping Sudan in this area for the next 20 years" said Gotthardt.

By Haffiya Elyas