Dakshin Kannada district gears up National Deworming Day campaign tomorrow

MANGALURU: Dakshin Kannada district is gearing up for National Deworming Day that will be observed across the country on September 25. Children in the age-group of 1 to 19 years will be administered Albendazole as part of nation-wide campaign. While children in the age-group of 1-2 years will be given half of the 400mg Albendazole tablet, those in the age-group of 2-19 years will be given full tablet.
Dr Ramakrishna Rao, district health and family welfare officer, said the campaign, now in to its sixth year, strives to address problems, especially malnutrition, that worm infestation causes in children, who are generally vulnerable to it. Malnutrition results in stunted growth and has long term effect on the growth and development of any child, he said, adding administering the tablet on a campaign mode, strives to address this basic health issue.
All stakeholders – anganwadi and school teachers, ASHA workers and department staff have been trained to successfully carry out the campaign, he said. Apprehensions of parents in the campaign having possible side effects on health of their children is misplaced and the tablet is absolutely safe, he said, adding even if the tablet is administered for the second time in close proximity, there will be no health implications for the children.
Dr Rajesh B V, reproductive and child health officer, said district had received 51,245 strips of albendazole tablet for distribution among 5,12,447 beneficiaries in the above target age-group. “We have in turn distributed the tablet to schools and colleges and teachers there with help from department staff will help administer it,” Dr Rajesh. The department has taken up branding activities for success of the campaign through KSRTC as well, he noted.