Rokia Tembe fidgeted slightly as she stood in line with other women to receive a tetanus shot. When it was finally her turn, she dutifully rolled up her sleeve, stared straight ahead, and waited for the inevitable prick of the needle. When it was over, she looked at her arm and smiled.

"My aunt said it was very important to be vaccinated against tetanus disease, so I wanted to be sure to come," she said. "I want to do what I can to keep myself healthy."

Eighteen-year-old Rokia, who works for a local family as their child's caretaker, is one of many women in the West African nation of Cote d'Ivoire who have taken part in a country-wide effort to provide immunizations and other medical care for women and children. Medical Assistance Programs (MAP) International helped facilitate the event by joining other international aid agencies, such as the World Health Organization, World Food Program, and Helen Keller International, in providing vaccinations, vitamins and medicines.

MAP International's contributions include 100,000 children's doses of Mebendazole, an anti-parasite medication used to treat tapeworms, hookworms and similar conditions.

"Children are especially susceptible to parasites and often suffer most severely from infections," said Dr. Julien Ake, MAP country director for Cote d'Ivoire. "It is imperative that MAP help prevent and treat this problem."

Parasites may be found in sources such as contaminated soil, vegetables, meat and water. They commonly enter the body through the mouth, the skin and the bottom of the feet. Severe parasite infestations can be life-threatening, especially for children. Parasites may rob the body of essential nutrients, which can cause anemia, growth problems and weakened immune systems.

MAP International, which has an office in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, began conducting deworming campaigns in 2007 and now holds them for thousands of Ivorian children on a regular basis.

In addition to dispensing medication, MAP staff members also conduct educational classes for children, their teachers and their parents about basic sanitation, the importance of purifying drinking water and other measures they can take to avoid contracting parasites.