2 crore kids to get deworming drugs

Patna: Around 2.12 crore children will be given de-worming tablets in August as part of the second phase of national de-worming programme in the state.

Children between the age group of 1-19 would be administered Albendazole in all government and private schools. Health minister Mangal Pandey launched the second phase of de-worming programme at Rajkiya Balak Uchcha Viadyala, Shastri Nagar on Thursday. Pandey said that apart from government schools, the programme would be conducted at 1,829 private schools.

On Thursday, the drive was conducted in schools. Those who were left out will be given de-worming tablets on August 13.

“The national de-worming programme aims to treat children at the risk of parasitic worm infections, which is expected to bring about a significant improvement in the education and nutrition level of the children,” said Pandey while launching the second phase of de-worming programme.

He said the programme was being run in 17 districts of the state, including Arwal, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Katihar, Kishanganj among others

Pandey said there might be complaints of vomiting and other health complications among children after popping the medicine. He said the health department had made a protocol to combat such situation and department officials had been trained to tackle the situation while following the protocol. “The health department would organise the drive in collaboration with education and social welfare department. Asha workers have also been trained to administer de-worming drugs and the drive would also be conducted at aanganwadi centres,” he said.

Sources said that in an earlier joint survey conducted by the State Health Society (SHS), Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC), high prevalence of hookworm, roundworm and whipworm’s prevalence was found among schoolchildren. “The survey pointed out that annual de-worming would be required to address the situation,” said a source.

Courtesy: The Telegraph