1.95 lakh kids in Panchkula to be given deworming pills on February 15

Panchkula, January 25

A meeting of the district task force for National Deworming Day was held at Mini Secretariat under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Sushil Sarwan in which various stakeholder departments participated.

The day will be observed on February 15 followed by its “mop-up” round on February 20 to cover the left-out children. Under the programme, about 1.95 lakh children would be covered in the district.

To control the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), albendazole tablets will be provided through schools, anganwadi centres, colleges, polytechnics, etc.

The DC said the STH prevalence was 42% in Haryana and the issue needed to be addressed. Studies showed the absenteeism in schools decreased by 25% with regular deworming.

Dr Shivani, Deputy Civil Surgeon, Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakarm, said all children in the age group of 1-19 in all government, government-aided and private schools, playways, crèches, government and private colleges, ITIs, coaching centres, polytechnics and anganwadis, having registered, unregistered and the out-of-school children, would be provided albendazole tablets. — TNS

Deworming benefits

• Deworming decreases anaemia, improves nutrition
• Children grow faster and stay healthier
• Increases body’s resistance to infections
• Supports school attendance
• Improves child’s concentration and activities at school

Preventive measures

• Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet
• Drink safe and clean water
• Eat properly cooked food
• Wash vegetables, fruits in safe and clean water
• Keep nails short and clean