Abstract
Anemia and schistosomiasis are intertwined global health challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations in low-income regions. Anemia, with a global prevalence of 24.3%, affects over 1.92 billion people, particularly women and children under five. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, afflicts approximately 250 million individuals, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. The intersection of these conditions is exacerbated by layers of fragility, including poverty, geographic isolation, and demographic factors such as age and gender. Women, especially those pregnant, and children are particularly vulnerable due to the compounded effects of iron deficiency, parasitic infections, and inadequate access to healthcare.
Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of anemia in schistosomiasis. The parasite-induced blood loss and iron sequestration in the liver and spleen contribute significantly to blood deficiency. Current treatments, primarily praziquantel, do not address long-term damage or the complex interplay between anemia and parasitic infection, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies targeting iron metabolism and fibrosis.
This review highlights the importance of addressing these intersecting higher hierarchical levels and layers of vulnerabilities to molecules, through a multifaceted approach that includes improved diagnostics, comprehensive treatment strategies, and sustained research efforts. Tackling the ecological, social, and medical determinants of these diseases is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and disease, ultimately improving health outcomes in the most affected and structurally fragile populations.