Children in schools/ anganwadis' to be given De-worming tablets across Punjab on 15th Feb 2017

Chandigarh, February 13, 2017: Punjab is observing mass deworming day on 15thFebruary 2017 and mop up day on 20th Februray 2017, across the State through the network of schools and anganwadi centers and for those out-of-schools through AWC with mobilization by ASHA. This is being done on the occasion of National Deworming programme. This was stated here today by Ms. Vini Mahajan, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Punjab.
She told Albendazole tablets will be given after meal in single dose to all children of age 1 year to 19 years (1-2 years 200 mg & 2-19 years 400 mg) in Anganwadi Centres, Govt. & Govt. aided schools and Private schools under the supervision of school teachers and anganwadi workers. Along with this an intensive awareness generation campaign is being carried focusing on information regarding benefits of de-worming. Counselling for improving dietary intake shall also be given alongwith adopting sanitation and hygiene practices, taking actions for prevention of intestinal anemia by School Nodal Teachers and Anganwadi Workers.
Emergency Response Systems (ERS) have been constituted in each hospital for management of adverse events, if any following de-worming drive. Contact no.s of emergency response team have been given to schools and anganwadi centre of the State.
She further informed that malnutrition, lack of balanced diet and worm infestation are the main cause of anemia. Worm infestation interfere with nutrient uptake leads to anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development and pose serious threat to child’s health, education and productivity. Infected children are often too sick or tired to concentrate at school or to attend at all. Prevention and control of anemia with a de-worming tablet is universally recognized as a safe and cost effective solution and one of the key strategies to improve health of children and adolescents.
Deworming improves nutritional impairment, Anemia, loss of Appetite, weight loss and reduce absenteeism. Deworming also improve cognitive outcomes.