Department of Health and Family Welfare is geared up for National Deworming Day (NDD) on August 10. The programme targets all children between the age group 1-19. On the occasion, Albendazole 400 mg chewable tablet will be given to the children at Anganwadi centres, private and government schools including health centres targeting over 1.21 crore children across the state.
The mop-up day, on August 17, will be conducted to reach those children who have not received the dose on National Deworming Day due to sickness or absenteeism. “ANM workers have been instructed to distribute the tablets at the Anganwadi centres across the state. Anganwadi Sevikas will maintain the record and demarcate those children who have been left out in the first session. looking at the safety, pregnant women and children suffering from serious illness will not be given the medicine dose,” said, Deputy Director cum State Immunization Officer, Dr. Beena Sinha.
“Worm infections interfere with nutrient intake and can lead to anemia, malnourishment and impaired mental, physical development. It poses a serious threat to children’s health. Treatment with a Deworming tablet is universally recognized as a safe and cost effective solution,” added Sinha.
For successfully conducting the programme statewide, the Health and Family Welfare department has coordinated with School Education and literacy Department including Social Welfare Department. Monitoring team will supervise the entire procedure.
“With the assistance of other departments, the programme will be carried out statewide. In February 2016, approximately ten districts which include East Singhbhum, Gumla, Jamtara, Koderma, latehar, Pakur, Palamau, Saraikela, Simdega and West Singhbhum was targeted. Around 25,34,482 kids were given Albendazole dose in February,” said, Ranchi Civil Surgeon, Shivshankar Harijan.
“This time at five districts, Garhwa, Khunti, Dhanbad, Godda and Dumka beside Deworming dose, filaria medicines will also be given to the beneficiaries,” added, Harijan.