Dimapur, August 10 (MExN): The National Deworming Day (NDD) was observed in the state on August 10.
The objective of the NDD is to provide treatment for parasitic intestinal worms ‘soil-transmitted helminths’ (STH) to all children aged between 1 to 19 years through the platform of Schools and Anganwadi Centers in order to improve the overall quality of children’s lives. The deworming program today was the second phase for 2017.
The launching programme of the National Deworming Day in Kohima was held at Christ King Higher Secondary School, Kohima. Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Limaakum Jamir launched the programme by administering ‘Albendazole’ tablet to a 3 year old student.
In his keynote address, Director (FW) Incharge, Dr. M.A. Wati said worm infection in children lead to anemia, weakness, nutritional impairment, loss of appetite, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss etc. A simple intervention in the form of one tablet of albendazole avoids all these and indirectly helps children in improving concentration and learning capacity.
He cited that with proper hand washing before eating and after using toilets, good sanitation and hygiene we can reach our global target, set by WHO, to eliminate morbidity due to worm infection by 2020. WHO says 65% of children in India between 1-14 years are at risk of worm infestation.
During the occasion the Schoolchildren were all given free albendazole tablets.
In Dimapur District, a short function was conducted at Govt. Middle School Chekiye Village, Dimapur. Dr. Antoly Dy. CMO, Dr. Lanuakum DPO (UIP/RCH), Teacher incharge GMS Chekiye, village staff and students of GMS Chekiye Village were present during the function.
Meanwhile, members of Rotary Club of Kohima today visited Government Primary School Kruoliezou, L. Khel, Kohima and Government Middle School Bayavu, Kohima as part of the National Deworming Day. The club distributed umbrellas, slippers and snacks to all the students of Kruoliezou Primary School and to class A and B students of Bayavu Middle School, Kohima.
