Tamil Nadu's Deworming Programme Claims To Cover 9 Lakh Women & Kids

Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam launched the National Deworming Day Campaign in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. The campaign is aimed at improving children's health and raising awareness about the importance of being dewormed. The campaign in Cuddalore district covers 9.25 lakh children and women. 

As per the reports, the deworming campaign in Cuddalore would cover 7,01,617 children aged 1 to 19. Moreover, the campaign will also focus on 2,23,660 women aged 20 to 30.

Moreover, a total of 9,25,277 people will receive Albendazole tablets, an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infections. 

The medicines were distributed through schools and colleges, Anganwadi centres, health sub-centres and primary health centres across the district.   

Last year, in August 2023, the then Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian launched the National Deworming Day programme in the Mayiladuthurai district. At that time, the programme covered 2.15 crore children in the 1 to 19 age group. Moreover, 54.67 lakh women in 20-30 years of age were also given Albendazole tablets under the programme.  

What is National Deworming Day 

Every year on February 10, India observes National Deworming Day. This day is aimed at improving the health of children so that their education and lifestyle are not affected by worm infections. On this day, the government issues guidelines to the states and union territories. 

The National Deworming Day was first implemented by the Indian government in the year  2015. Around 8.9 crore children were given deworming medicines in that year. 

Nearly, 836 million children globally and 241 million in India are at the risk of contracting infections due to parasitic worms. Mostly, this problem is neglected by parents because of the lack of knowledge about this area. So Indian Government took a step to solve this rising health issue.