State joins National Deworming Day observation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 10 2016:
The National Deworming Day 2016 was held across the State today.
The State Health Society organised a State level function in connection with the day at the conference hall of JNIMS with Health and Family Welfare Minister Phung- zathang Tonsing attending the programme as the chief guest.
Director of Health Services, Dr O Ibomcha, Director of Social Welfare L Naba-kishwar, Administrative Officer of Education (S) Dr Suraj Yumnam, Director of Family Welfare Dr K Rajo, Dr Guneshore of AYUSH Department and Director of JNIMS Dr L Deben attended the function as the president and guests of honour respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Phungzathang Tonsing said that administering deworming tablets to preschool and school-age children between the ages of 1-19 year(s) is one measure taken up to ensure the welfare of children.
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Quoting a WHO report, the Minister said that about 220 million children of the country in the age group of 1-14 year(s) are at risk of parasitic intestinal worm infection or soil transmitted helminths (STH) infection.
Infection by the disease due to poor hygienic practices and sanitation could result in retardation of mental health and physical growth of children, he said.
A mop-up day will be held on Feb 16 in the State, the Minister added.
The presidium members later administered deworming (Albendazole) tablets to children.
At the same time, District Health Society, Imphal East organised the NDD at Soibam Leikai Community Hall today.
DC of Imphal East, M Joy, CMO of Imphal East Dr Pushpa Rai and District Family Welfare Officer Dr T Nilakanta attended the programme as the chief guest, president and guest of honour.