Thoubal, March 25—The first phase of the National Deworming Day campaign to protect children from worms for the current year was launched in Thoubal district on Wednesday.
Under the theme “Worm Free India under the Krimi Mukta Bharat Abhiyan,” the campaign was launched at the election counting hall located at Thoubal DC Complex by the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, Yumnam Robita, IAS, as the Chief Guest, by administering deworming tablets, Albendazole, to students.
The event was attended by the Chief Medical Officer, Thoubal, Dr. Y. Nokul; ZEO Zone (III) Thoubal, Y. Achouba; and DPO, ICDS Cell Thoubal, Th. Romita, as President and Guests of Honour, respectively.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Thoubal, Yumnam Robita, stated that administering deworming tablets to children helps prevent soil-transmitted intestinal worms. This, she added, protects children from stunted growth, anemia, and mental and physical impairment. For the current year, the plan is to administer these tablets to children aged 1 to 19 years in schools, Anganwadi centres, and pre-semester students in colleges across Thoubal district. She appealed to ASHA facilitators, school teachers, and Anganwadi workers and helpers for their support.
Chief Medical Officer Thoubal, Dr. Y. Nokul, speaking as the President, mentioned that National Deworming Day is observed twice a year, in February and August, since 2015. The main objective is to address the impact of worms on children, which can lead to discomfort, loss of appetite, reduced school performance, and various other health issues, thus hindering the development of India. He noted that National Deworming Day has been consistently observed since its inception.
He further added that while worm infestation was a widespread problem in the past, government initiatives have significantly reduced it. He noted that deworming tablets are currently administered to children aged 1 to 19 years, but children in Class IX/X often show reluctance to take the tablets, which is not ideal.
The CMO also emphasized that worm infestation is often caused by unhygienic practices, such as inadequate handwashing and open defecation. Therefore, he stressed the importance of educating children on proper hand hygiene and the habit of washing hands before eating. He highlighted that beyond academics, teachers have a significant role in promoting health and hygiene. Anganwadi workers at the local level also play a crucial role in this regard. He appealed for a collective effort to eradicate worm infestation and make the deworming day initiatives successful.
It was mentioned that in this first phase, Thoubal district aims to administer deworming tablets to a total of 82,500 children. A mop-up day will be held on March 31 to administer the medicine to children who were missed today.
ASHA facilitators and Anganwadi workers and helpers of Thoubal district participated in today’s deworming campaign.
