National Deworming Day to be observed in Chhattisgarh on 29 August
Deworming Medication to be Administered to All the Children and Adolescents of
Target Set to Provide Deworming Medication to 107.97 lakh Children Across 33 Districts of Chhattisgarh
AMRIT TODAY, Raipur, 28 August 2024/
National Deworming Day will be observed in Chhattisgarh on August 29, 2024 and all the preparations for the same have been completed. On this day, deworming medication will be administered to all children and adolescents of age group 1 to 19 years at Angan badi centers, government schools, health centers, grant-in-aid private schools, and technical education institutions across the state. Deworming is essential for ensuring the good health, better nutrition, regular access to education, and improved quality of life for children and adolescents.
Dr. V.R. Bhagat, Deputy Director of the Child Health Program, informed that the state government has set a target to administer deworming medication to 107.97 lakh children and adolescents aged 1 to 19 years in Chhattisgarh. The medication, Albendazole 400 mg, will be provided by teachers in schools and by Anganbadi workers at Anganbadi centers. A mop-up day will be organized on 4th September 2024, to administer the medication to children and adolescents who missed the initial dose. This initiative aims to improve health and nutritional levels, prevent anemia, enhance intellectual development, and increase school attendance among children and adolescents.
Teachers and Anganbadi workers will oversee the medication process. The dosage will be administered as follows: half a tablet (crushed) for children of age group 1 to 2 years, one tablet (crushed) for children of age 2 to 3 years, and one tablet to be chewed with water for children aged 3 to 19 years.
Dr. Bhagat emphasized that the deworming medication is completely safe for children and adolescents. Some children may experience mild adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild abdominal pain, and fatigue due to the presence of worms in the body. Children with severe worm infections may exhibit temporary symptoms, which can be managed with care at schools and Anganbadi centers. If such symptoms are observed, children should be given clean drinking water and monitored closely.
Deworming Medication Must Be Administered Twice a Year
On National Deworming Day, each child at schools and Anganbadi centers will be given one Albendazole tablet. Special attention will be paid towards out-of-school children and adolescents. According to experts, intestinal worms can cause a variety of health issues, and parents should be vigilant about such symptoms. Worm infections can lead to a lack of interest in studies and reduced appetite in children. Despite eating more food, their bodies may not absorb the nutrients effectively. Administering Albendazole tablets can prevent anemia in children, relieve mental stress, and improve overall health. Deworming medication is crucial for the mental and physical development of children aged 1 to 19 years.
