The district-level National Deworming Programme was launched on Tuesday at the P.M. Sri Government Model Primary School auditorium in the city. District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Satish Kumar inaugurated the programme by watering a sapling and formally launched the initiative by administering deworming tablets to children.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Satish Kumar said the programme aims to make children aged 1 to 19 years worm-free, thereby preventing malnutrition, anaemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of interest in learning, and impaired physical and mental development.
The programme will be implemented nationwide on February 10, with a mop-up day scheduled for February 16 for children who miss the initial dose. Under the initiative, Albendazole 400 mg tablets will be administered-half a tablet for children aged 1-2 years and one tablet for those aged 2-19 years.
Children aged 1-5 years will receive tablets at Anganwadi centres, while those aged 6-19 years will be covered in government, aided and private schools, colleges and technical institutions. ASHA workers will identify out-of-school children and ensure tablet distribution through Anganwadi centres.
Deputy Director of the School Education Department Basavaraju said that the district target covers 1,31,783 children, including Anganwadi children, school students, college students, ITI and technical institution students, and out-of-school children.
District RCH Officer Dr. Madhusudan emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination, involving departments such as Women and Child Development, School Education, Pre-University Education, College Education, Technical Education, Social Welfare, Panchayat Raj, Municipal Corporation, Scouts and Guides, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Taluk Health Officer Dr. Sanathkumar appealed to the public to extend cooperation for the successful implementation of the programme.
School Development Committee Chairman Jagadish presided over the function. Taluk Health Education Officer T.N. Palaksha welcomed the gathering, while Senior Health Inspector G.V. Srinath proposed the vote of thanks. Officials, teachers, health staff, ASHA workers, media representatives and school children were present.
