CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department will conduct a statewide National Deworming Day campaign on August 10 and 17, targeting more than 2.58 crore children, adolescents and young women.
According to the department, approximately 2.06 crore children and young people up to 19 years of age and 52.44 lakh women between 20 and 30 years will be covered under the campaign.
The first round of the deworming program will be held across the state on August 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while a second round will be conducted on August 17.
Camps to Be Held Across Thousands of Centers
The campaign will be conducted at 54,481 anganwadi centers, 11,723 sub-health centers and 56,483 schools across Tamil Nadu.
A large team of healthcare and education personnel will participate in the initiative, including:
- 54,481 anganwadi workers
- 59,700 school teachers and college professors
- 6,543 doctors
- 12,456 village health nurses
- 2,650 ASHA workers
- Other health and frontline personnel
The extensive network is intended to ensure that eligible beneficiaries across both urban and rural areas have access to the deworming program.
Albendazole Dosage Based on Age
The Health Department said albendazole tablets will be administered according to the age of the beneficiaries.
Children between one and two years of age will receive half of a 400 mg tablet, equivalent to 200 mg.
Children and adolescents up to 19 years of age, along with women up to 30 years, will receive one 400 mg albendazole tablet.
The tablets will be administered at designated campaign centers under the supervision of trained personnel.
Deworming Aims to Prevent Health Problems
According to the Health Department, albendazole is considered safe for the eligible age groups and helps eliminate intestinal worm infections.
The department said regular deworming can also help reduce health problems associated with intestinal worms, including anemia and nutritional deficiencies.
It added that reducing worm infections may contribute to better immunity, physical growth, memory and learning ability, particularly among children and adolescents.
Parents Urged to Use the Campaign
The Health Department has appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that eligible children participate in the campaign on either August 10 or August 17.
Officials have emphasized the importance of using the designated camps to improve coverage and reduce the prevalence of intestinal worm infections among children and young people.
The department said the campaign is part of the state’s broader public-health efforts to promote the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents.
“Let us reduce worm infections and sow the seeds for a prosperous future,” the Health Department said.
The two-round campaign is expected to provide a wide-reaching opportunity for eligible beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu to receive deworming medication through the state’s public health and education network.
