How Parasites Steal Children's Futures

James Charles had big dreams. He worked hard, consistently placing in the top three students in his class. But when parasitic worms infected his body, everything changed.

"When I fell sick, I couldn't study properly again," James remembers. "Sometimes, I will just be sleeping. Everything was not fine with me."

His story echoes across Nigeria, where over 20 million children are at risk for worm infections. At Sasa Community Primary School, health workers began counting the worms expelled by one child after treatment. They stopped at 41.

Imagine trying to learn, to concentrate, to achieve your dreams—while 41 parasites drain the nutrients from your body.

These infections keep children home from school. They cause malnutrition and anemia. They steal children's ability to focus, to grow, to reach their potential. Teachers across Nigeria see it constantly: bright students who suddenly can't attend regularly, can't stay awake in class, can't compete academically anymore.

But the solution is remarkably simple.

A single pill, taken once or twice a year, for less than 50 cents per treatment. Since 2017, Evidence Action has partnered with Nigeria's government to deliver 36 million deworming treatments—reaching 6 million children annually across five states.

The impact is transformative. After treatment, James could study again. Teachers report students who were failing suddenly placing first or second in their class. Chronic absences become regular attendance. Sleeping students become engaged learners.

Research confirms what teachers see: deworming reduces school absences by 25% and increases future earnings by 13%—generating an estimated $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains.

For children like James, deworming restores what the parasites stole: the ability to show up, focus, and achieve what they're capable of.