Question: What is the purpose of observing National Deworming Day?
(a) To deworm children between the ages of (1-19) from soil-transmitted helminthes
(b) To spread awareness to stop using pesticides
(c) To raise awareness on clean drinking water
(d) None of the above.
Ans: (a)
- The National Deworming Day is observed on February 10 every year by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its main objective is to deworm children between the ages of (1-19) from parasitic intestinal worms also known as soil-transmitted helminths (STH).
- This year for the first time, the Ministry has decided to give the deworming tablets to the private schools children also besides schools and anganwadis.
- The government of India had launched the initiative in 2015, making it one of the largest single-day public health initiatives in India.
- Background:
- According to WHO, Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) or parasitic worms are among the most common infections worldwide. It lives in human intestines and consume nutrients meant for the human body. India has the highest burden of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in the world, with 220 million children aged 1-14 estimated to be at risk of worm infections. Almost 7 in 10 children between 6 month and 5 years are anaemic, with even higher rates of anaemia in rural areas, as per the 2006 National Family Health Survey.
- Deworming tablet:
- Children at the age of (1-2) are given half a tablet of albendazole (400mg), and above the age of 2 are given 1 full tablet of albendazole (400mg) to chew. Albendazole is very safe and has very few side effects and it occurs with mild side effects like nausea and diarrhea and passes quickly.
Reference:
http://www.nhp.gov.in/National-Deworming-Day_pg
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/national-deworming-day/1/592208.html