Around 9.25 lakh children to be dewormed: Dr Somorjit
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 29 2024: Around 9,25,124 children aged 1-19 years will be administered deworming tablets in the first phase of the National Deworming Day commencing from April 30, said National Health Mission, state mission director (SMD) Dr Somorjit Ningombam.

Addressing the media at the conference hall of Medical Directorate, Lamphel, here, on Monday, Dr Somorjit said that the National Deworming Day to be kicked off from Malom Megha High School on Tuesday, is aimed at providing deworming tablet (Albendazole 400 mg) to 9,25,124 children between 1-19 years of age, followed by a mop-up day after seven days to those left behind.

Children aged 1-2 years will be provided half (200mg) the tablet dissolved in water, while those in the range of 2-19 years will be administered the 400mg tablet.

Further informing that the medicines have been distributed to the CMOs concerned, who in turn have dispersed them to the ZEOs and district programme officer of Social Welfare Department, he said that the tablets will be administered with the help of Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, teachers and departments collaborating with the Health Department.

The second phase will be held after six months, he added.

Dr Somorjit then explained that roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, after entering the human body, often times damages the organs, leading to varied diseases.

Apart from this, all human beings have intestinal worm inside them with unhygienic conditions considered the root cause of such health issues.

While disclosing that around 25 per cent of children in the country cannot go to school due to infection, the SMD stated that administration of deworming tablets will not only lower the absentee rate, but help in the growth of children, while preventing occurrence of anaemia and other diseases.

Dr Somorjit further explained that Albendazole 400 mg has low adverse effect.

Although this is not concerning, health teams have been formed to deal with any unexpected reactions, he said, while urging all to have the children dewormed during the National Deworming Day so that they may grow as healthy pillars of the society.

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