Lifesaving Drug Praziquantel Too Expensive for Africa

Shortages of the drug to treat schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease as widespread as malaria, have reached the proportions of a humanitarian crisis in Africa. Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., GW Distinguished Research Professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, says the failure of the global community to provide access to this essential medicine is impeding Africa's sustainable development.