Egypt's schistosomiasis control programme in the 1980s prepared the ground for the global elimination of schistosomiasis by 2030.

A paper published in 1990 by Webbe and El Hag described the progress being made in the control of schistosomiasis with the introduction of a new medicine 'Praziquantel' to treat infected individuals, and the use of a molluscicide 'niclosamide', with which to kill the intermediate host snails. Almost 30 years from the date of publication, the situation in Egypt and indeed globally has changed out of all recognition. Almost every country in Africa has a school health programme to deworm children, each country has a national plan which includes school health, and praziquantel is now donated through the World Health Organization for countries to treat school aged children to protect them from the serious consequences of chronic schistosomiasis. As the socio-economic status in Africa improves the chances seem good for elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem in most areas in Africa.