National Deworming Day: 4.31 lakh students to be dewormed with a single dose each of Albendazole

National deworming day: As a part of the national deworming initiative of the government on August 10, more than 4.31 lakh students in 1-19 age group in the district will be examined with a single dose each of Albendazole.

The tablets will be distributed through schools, anganwadis, and day-care centres.

The district-level programme will be inaugurated by district panchayat vice president Daleema Jojo. The program will be monitored by a team consisting of doctors and health workers

District health authorities said that Albendazole is an extremely safe drug with no or minimal side effects. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting might manifest in children with high worm load.

The program has been launched to prevent the risk of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or worm infestation. STH interfere with nutrients uptake in children. It could lead to anaemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development, according to health authorities.