Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a disease which harms over 200 million people. It is mostly found throughout Africa, but also occurs in parts of South America, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. If left untreated the disease becomes a chronic condition affecting the gut, lungs and nervous systems causing permanent and life long damage.

Schistosomiasis spends part of its life cycle in the Biomphalaria snail. Removal of the snails removes the disease. Like most things it’s not complicated.

Giant Freshwater Prawns, bred at KMFRI in Mombasa  are capable of upcycling the disease causing host snails into high quality animal protein which has a ready local market. This is a great alternative to chemical control using toxic pesticides.