Deworming to be done using community-based approach

Mangaluru: The second phase of National Deworming Day (NDD) that gets under way across India from Monday, targeting children in the age group of 1 to 19 will follow a community-based approach in the new normal. Children aged 1 to 19 will be given Albendazole tablets as part of the nationwide campaign. While those aged 1-2 will be administered half of the 400mg tablet, those aged 2-19 will be given the full tablet.
Dr Rajesh B V, district reproductive and child health (RCH) officer said with schools, anganwadis, ITIs and PU colleges still closed due to the pandemic, the department of health and family welfare will use the services of anganwadi and ASHA workers to deliver these tablets to the doorsteps of children in the target age groups. These workers will ensure that the children consume the WHO certified tablets in their presence, to ensure the success of the campaign, he said.
The continuing closure of educational institutions has brought down demand for Albendazole tablets from 5.3 lakh utilised in the first phase of the campaign held from February 10 to 4.4 lakh for this phase that will go up to September 21. ASHA and anganwadi workers will go door-to-door on the first day of the campaign, and use the remaining period for residual mop up action of children whom they might miss due to various reasons, he noted.
The campaign, now into its eighth year, strives to address health issues in children such as anaemia and malnutrition, that worm infestation causes in them, Dr Rajesh said. Children in the above age groups are generally vulnerable to it. Malnutrition and anaemia result in stunted growth and has a long term effect on growth and development of children. Administering the tablet on a campaign mode seeks to address this basic health issue, he added.