Praziquantel is the recommended treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis (bilharzia). It is effective and safe. In October 2024, the National Department of Health (NDoH) was advised by Bayer (Pty) Ltd of the depletion of stock for the public sector of praziquantel (Biltricide) 600mg tablets; 10 tablets item specification.
NDoH has sourced stock of alternative pack-size (available at the end of April 2025) and has issued a communication on 12 March 2025, to provincial depot managers and heads of pharmaceutical services advising on stock procurement.
Public-sector queries can be directed to Anzelde Willemse at 066 261 4234 or anzelde.willemse@health.gov.za. Private-sector counterparts are advised to contact Bayer (Pty) Ltd directly as they are the only registered supplier of praziquantel in South Africa.
Schistosomiasis is classified as a category two notifiable medical condition, meaning it must be reported within seven days of clinical or laboratory diagnosis. Healthcare providers and laboratories are required to report confirmed cases of schistosomiasis to the via the Notifiable Medical Conditions system through written or electronic notification.
Reporting schistosomiasis cases is crucial for monitoring the disease’s prevalence, identifying transmission sites, and implementing effective control measures. For further information on schistosomiasis and case notification: https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/schistosomiasis-bilharzia/
