3.3 lakh kids targeted in deworming drive

Panaji: Children across anganwadis and schools, in the age group of 1 to 19 years, were given a deworming tablet on Monday, which is observed as National Deworming Day. The state’s immunisation officer, Dr Uttam Desai, told TOI that medical officers were deputed to the peripheries as supervisors to monitor the programme.

Half of the Albendazole tablet, proven to be a safe drug for children, dissolved in water, was given to children below the age of 2, and one tablet was given to children between 2 and 19 years. The directorate of health services set a target of deworming 3,39,624 children. “Those who were absent at school and missed the tablet can take it on the mop-up drive day on Feb 17,” he said.

The six-monthly dose administered to children between 1 and 19 years was last given for free by the health department on Aug 10. Regular deworming is important to prevent worms, Desai said.


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