RBSK Wokha along with Social Welfare department staffs at the launching programme of first round of National Deworming Day at Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha on March 10.
Wokha, March 10 (MExN): The first round of National Deworming Day (NDD) for Wokha district was launched at Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha on March 10.
The launch programme and screening camp was jointly organised by the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) team under the Medical Department, in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women under Mission Shakti and the District Administration.
Addressing the students, resource person Dr Thungchangbeni Patton, Medical Officer of RBSK Wokha, stated that the primary objective of the nationwide initiative is to prevent worm infestations in children and adolescents aged one to nineteen years.
She informed that worm infestations in children are primarily caused by a lack of personal hygiene, consumption of uncooked and contaminated food, and excessive intake of sweets. Highlighting the symptoms, Dr Patton listed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fainting, unexplained weight loss or poor appetite, and dry cough as key indicators.
The Medical Officer warned that such infestations could lead to anaemia and malnutrition in children. She advised the students to consume the albendazole tablets, which are distributed free of cost by the government, to ensure proper growth and development. Dr. Patton also expressed gratitude to the school administration for providing the platform to launch the NDD.
During the subsequent health screening session, the medical team conducted haemoglobin tests for 71 girl students. Additionally, TD (Tetanus Diphtheria) injections were administered to 40 students, while 260 students underwent general health check-ups. Albendazole tablets and folic acid supplements were also distributed to the students by the medical team.
