Four lakh children in Kangra District to receive Albendazole Tablets on National Deworming Day

Dharamshala, August 08, 2024:  On 9th August, National Deworming Day, approximately four lakh children in Kangra district will be administered Albendazole tablets, announced Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa during a District Task Force meeting focused on vaccination and the upcoming National Deworming Day. A mop-up round is scheduled for 16th August to ensure that children who miss the initial dose receive the necessary treatment.

National Deworming Day, observed twice a year, aims to combat intestinal worms, commonly referred to as stomach worms, in children. The government provides Albendazole tablets to children aged 1 to 19 years to prevent this common health issue. Additionally, children aged 1 to 5 years will receive vitamin A supplements along with the Albendazole tablets. This year, approximately 4 lakh children will receive Albendazole, and around 90,000 children will be given vitamin A supplements in the district.

Deputy Commissioner Bairwa emphasized the importance of administering the Albendazole tablets under proper supervision. He instructed that the tablets should be crushed completely or chewed and given to children only in schools or Anganwadi centers, ensuring the presence of a health worker. He urged parents to send their children to these centers on National Deworming Day.

The meeting also covered discussions on routine immunization, the measles-rubella eradication campaign, and the Anemia-Free Himachal campaign. Deputy Commissioner Bairwa highlighted the significance of timely vaccination for the health and overall development of children, noting that Kangra district has maintained a strong vaccination record. He called for the concerned departments to ensure 100% vaccination coverage for children this year.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Guleri provided additional information on National Deworming Day, stating that administering Albendazole tablets would help children avoid worm infestations, keeping them physically and mentally healthy. District Program Officer Dr. Vandana also presented detailed updates on COVID-19 vaccination, routine immunization, and measles-rubella eradication.

The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Guleri, SDM Dharamshala Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Babita Gautam from the AYUSH Department, and officials from the Women and Child Development, Education, and Health Departments. Other district SDMs and BMOs from the Health Department participated via video conference.