A new report from Azerbaijan’s State Statistics Committee reveals a troubling surge in parasitic infections among children, with 1,169 cases of helminthiasis (worm infestations) recorded in 2024 alone. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years and is raising serious concerns about the country’s food safety standards, public health education, and healthcare practices.
Residents, particularly in Baku, are sounding the alarm. Many point to contaminated food, poor hygiene, and a lack of health education as root causes. “It’s not just about washing hands—there’s no serious monitoring of food sold on the streets or in schools,” said one frustrated parent. “How are children supposed to stay healthy when basic safety isn’t guaranteed?”
Seasonal Peaks, Systemic Neglect
Gastroenterologist Nazly Gasimova confirmed that cases spike during the spring and summer months—yet, despite years of recurring data, health authorities have failed to launch a coordinated prevention campaign. “It’s always the same story: no public education, no food inspections, no accountability,” she remarked.
The Ministry of Health has not issued any recent warnings or nationwide hygiene guidance, despite clear seasonal trends. Critics say this demonstrates a reactive rather than proactive approach to children’s health, leaving families to rely on anecdotal advice and guesswork.
Medical Mismanagement and Overmedication
Dr. Gasimova also criticized current diagnostic and treatment protocols, calling them “outdated and dangerous.” She explained that many children are misdiagnosed based on general symptoms like fatigue or thinness, leading to excessive and toxic treatment regimens.
“We’ve seen kids given anti-parasitic drugs for weeks or even months, when a 1–3 day course would suffice,” she warned. “These are strong medications with serious side effects, including potential liver damage. Overmedicating children is not just negligent—it’s criminal.”
The lack of clear national guidelines for pediatric parasitic treatment, and a near absence of continuing medical education for rural doctors, has led to a patchwork of harmful practices.
Where Are the Inspections?
Food safety is another area facing harsh criticism. Street vendors, fast food outlets, and even some school cafeterias operate with minimal oversight. “There’s no visible presence of inspectors in places where kids actually eat,” said a school teacher in Sumgayit. “We’ve complained for years, but nothing changes.”
According to parents and educators, food imports are often not labeled clearly, and public school menus are rarely disclosed. In rural areas, some cafeterias operate without running water or soap—a breeding ground for parasitic outbreaks.
A Preventable Crisis
While the problem may be complex, experts insist the solution is not: nationwide hygiene education, regular food safety inspections, and updated treatment protocols for doctors.
“Helminthic infections are among the easiest to prevent and treat,” said Dr. Gasimova. “But without leadership and proper public health policy, we will keep seeing the same avoidable suffering year after year.”
Unless urgent reforms are made, health professionals warn that Azerbaijan risks normalizing a public health crisis that should never have happened in the first place.
