Deworming Day: Target set to cover 9.25 lakh kids
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 26 2026: With the launching of the National Deworming Day, the State Government has set a target of administering deworming tablets to 9.25 lakh children and young adults between the ages of 1 and 19 years.

Speaking to the media at the Directorate of Health Services, Lamphelpat, Director Dr N Hemanta Kumar said roundworms, whipworms and hookworms are the most common parasitic worms found in Manipur.

As the 1-19 age group is most vulnerable to exposure, the deworming campaign is targeting this demographic, he added.

The worms are found in the soil and transmitted through contaminated food, and exposure to cuts and wounds, among others.

Once inside the body, they reach the colon and cause diseases such as anaemia, malnutrition, memory loss and loss of appetite.

For children in the 1-2 year age group, 200mg of Albendazole is administered while those in the 2-19 range are given 400 mg.

Most importantly, the deworming tablet is not recommended for infants under 1 year, pregnant women (first trimester), sick persons and those who are allergic to the medication, informed the Director.

Meanwhile Dr M Dinesh, State Mission Director, NHM, Manipur said that 90% of children were given deworming tablets last year under the National Deworming Day programme, which is higher than the National average.

In case some children are allergic to Albendazole, there are many other medications available to treat it, he maintained.

Dr A Sylvia, State Nodal Officer, Child Health, NHM shared that the Government has set a target of administering deworming tablets to 9,25,138 children in Manipur.

Kids missed in the first round will be covered in the mop-up round set for March 31.The required deworming tablets and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials have been dispatched to all the districts, she added.

It is worth noting that the State-level National Deworming Day was officially launched yesterday at IMA Heritage Hall.

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