More than 43 lakh children between one to 19 years of age would be administered Albandazol, the anti helminth tablet in the state from September 25 to October 1 under national deworming drive. In view of the closure of schools due to the pandemic of Covid-19, the ANMs, Asha workers and Anganwadi workers would administer the medicine by visiting every household. All the safety protocols like social distancing, masks and use of gloves would be observed during the campaign. Informing about the campaign the Director General (DG) of state health services Dr Amita Upreti said that the anti helminth campaign is done twice a year. She said that this time the activity would not be done at the schools and Anganawadi centres and the health workers would visit every household to administer the medicine. The mission director of National Health Mission (NHM) Sonika said that the children should remain free from the helminth worms so that their mental and physical development is not affected. She said that more than 22 Crore children between one to 14 years of age are under threat of helminth infection.
The nodal officer of the campaign Dr K S Martolia said that the department has made necessary preparation for the success of the drive. The health workers and Asha workers have been given training to administer the medicine and arrangements for prompt action in case of any side effects from the medicine have been made. Dr Martolia clarified that the campaign would not be held in the containment zones.
The medical experts are of the view that deworming helps in increasing attendance of students’ up to 25 percent in the schools. The helminthic infection occurs by defecating in the open, walking barefooted, keeping low personal hygiene and eating infected food. The symptoms of the disease are retarded growth, anaemia, and loss of appetite, stomach ache, vomiting and irregular bowels.