Deworming improves child’s immunity, protects them from acute illnesses: Dir Health
Srinagar: Directorate of Health Services Kashmir Thursday observed National De-worming day across health institutions of Kashmir.
National De-worming day is a flagship programme of the Government of India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. An official of health department said that the seminar was organised with an objective to free children from worm infections
The National Deworming Day is observed twice in a year.
CMO Srinagar organized an event at JK Police Public School Bemina on 10 th August 2023 which was inaugurated by Director Health Services Kashmir as Chief Guest.
On the occasion Director Health services Kashmir Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said that deworming is done to cure the infected children and also to put an end to multiple other causes like anaemia, mental impairment, malnourishment etc. which stimulate worm infections. These conditions are serious threat to the kids and can be ruinous for the education and health of the kids.
He said, under this initiative, GOI is providing tablets of Albendazole (400mg) to the children and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is promoting the campaign with different flavoured tablets (strawberry, mango, vanilla etc.) So that children would swallow them easily owing to their good taste and colours.
He said that children who have worms always feel tired because of malnutrition and anemia while they can have impaired physical and cognitive development.
He said that there is no need to panic as worm infection is easy to control but parents must keep vigil on their children and monitor their growth and other behavior as well.
He said untreated worm infections prevent children’s healthy growth, cause poor nutrition and reduce their capacity to concentrate and learn.
“The treatment is simple, safe, effective and free of charge. A single dose of deworming treatment drastically reduces the number of worms in each child,” he said.
Deworming improves your child’s immunity, and thereby protecting him/her from chronic illnesses caused by worms, improves concentration and attendance, making them more productive in school, increases nutrient uptake and controls infections such as anemia, loose bowels, improves work potential and livelihood opportunity and can help in reduction of worm infection in the community,” he added.
The programme was attended by CMO Srinagar, HODs of various departments, doctors besides other health officers and officials
Later in the day, Director Health Services Kashmir inaugurated similar kind of function at Girls Higher secondary School Ranibag Anantnag that was organised by CMO Anantnag Dr. M. Y Zagoo, and was graced by Additional Deputy Commissioner Gulzar Ahmad besides other diginitries. Function was attended by large number of students who were taught about the importance of deworming.
Similar kind of functions were held across Kashmir hospitals and Schools in Baramulla, Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal and other districts.
