HAMP and anemia (phenotype): Importantly, inflammation from schistosomiasis may cause anaemia by upregulating hepcidin, which blocks iron absorption and recycling, leading to IDA.173 Schistosomiasis primarily affects individuals in contact with infested water, with parasite burden increasing with age and peaking between ages 10 and 20 years, then declining as partial immunity develops.174 Both STH and schistosomiasis are a major cause of anaemia in at-risk groups living in endemic areas.