Increased schistosomiasis transmission is likely to occur close to human
settlements neighboring irrigation canals and the Goora Dam, where
domestic and recreational water contact will be intense. Members of the
Apostolic Faith Church constitute approximately one-third of the total
population in the project area and are a very vulnerable community since
most of its members refuse to use the formal health system, avoiding health
education or medical treatment. Members of this church associate water with
holiness and they are frequently in contact with natural water sources
because their religious rituals are performed using water.