Season 13 • Episode 1025

1025 - Advancing the Elimination of Schistosomiasis

Mar 19, 2026

15:34

Tropical & Neglected Diseases Infectious Disease Public Health Health Policy

Episode Description

About this episode:

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to human hosts via freshwater snails. It can cause serious and debilitating chronic conditions, but the Pan American Health Organization is leading a charge to end transmission in the Americas. In this episode: PAHO Parasitologist Ronaldo Scholte details how locations like Puerto Rico are successfully working to eliminate schistosomiasis.

Guest:

Ronaldo Scholte, PhD, MS, is a technical officer at the Pan American Health Organization where he oversees efforts to treat and eliminate neglected tropical diseases.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

Schistosomiasis—WHO
Tracking the last signs of Schistosomiasis in Puerto Rico—PAHO
Ending Neglect of Tropical Diseases—Public Health On Call (March 2025)

Transcript information:

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