Bhubaneswar: State govt instructed district administrations and urban local bodies to carry out deworming drive in all schools and anganwadi centres on National Deworming Day on Aug 10. If any child misses the deworming dose on Aug 10, they can take it on Aug 17.
Sources said the mop-up day provides an opportunity to ensure that no child is left out of the deworming programme. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a significant public health concern, affecting around 29.4% children in the state. STH impede the physical and cognitive development of children which can lead to health issues such as anaemia, malnutrition and impaired cognitive development. Deworming can combat this problem, sources said.

A govt order said that in areas where parasitic worms are endemic, administering a safe, effective deworming drug to children at schools and anganwadi centres leads to significant improvement in education, career choices, earning and long-term well-being.
“A govt order has been issued to district collectors and commissioners of municipal corporations to take necessary steps for the successful implementation of the programme,” said a health department officer.

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