Kohima, March 10 (DIPR): The 1st phase for 2017 National Deworming Day was launched by Director of H&FW, Dr. John Sweyievisa at Northfield School, Kohima on March 10. State achievements so far for February 2016 is 5,48,249 with 88.8% and for August 2016 is 6,52,493 with 90.1%.
Dr. John Sweyievisa in his keynote address stated that, National Deworming Day (NDD) is a fixed day approach when all children between 1-19 years of age will be targeted to receive treatment for parasite intestinal worm (Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis) through the platform of school and anganwadi centres.
He added that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends “deworming of all school age and pre-school age children” with the global target aiming to eliminate morbidity due to worms in children by 2020. The Government of India aims to cover at least 90% of all children through the NDD. WHO further says that 65% of children in India between 1-14 years are at risk of worm infestation.
He had also mentioned that worm infection in children leads to anemia, weakness, nutritional impairment, loss of appetite, stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss etc. A simple intervention in the form of one tablet of albendazole (safe and proven) avoids all these and indirectly helps children in improving concentration and capacity thereby improving this livelihood opportunity along with good health. This programme is carried out in coordination by these departments namely Health and Family Welfare, Department of School Education and Women and Child Development (ICDS), he added.
The target beneficiaries in the age group of 1-19 years include:
• Children enrolled in government and government aided schools
• Children enrolled in private schools
• Pre-school children registered at anganwadi centres
• School age children who are out of school
Mass de-worming mop up day will be given on March 15 for those children missed out on the deworming day through all schools and anganwadi centres.
The programme was chaired by State Programme Officer, Director of H&FW, Dr. Bendangla Longkumer and vote of thanks was given by Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Bendangyanger Jamir.
National Deworming Day programme was organized by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
