National Deworming day observed in GMC Rajouri

Rajouri : National Deworming Day 2022 was observed in Associated Hospital Government Medical College, Rajouri under the overall supervision the GMC Principal Dr Ghulam Ali Shah.
National Deworming Day is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to make every child in the country worm free. This is one of the largest public health programs reaching a large number of children during a short period.
Addressing the participants, Dr Ghulam Ali Shah elaborated that Parasitic worms or helminths, present in the soil, enter people and animals through the soles of their feet. These organisms can also infiltrate our bodies through worm-infested food or by touching infected faecal matter. The worms attach to the intestines and cause weakness, anemia, indigestion, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting Dr Ghulam Ali Shah says that worms may even enter the brain.
He further said that Dewormers paralyze or kill adult worms. National Deworming Day is observed on February 10, to make people aware of the importance of deworming, particularly for children from 1 to 19 years of age, who are the most vulnerable.
Shah also said that about 241 million children in India between 1 and 14 years of age are at risk of infections from Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and resulting anaemia and other health issues. As per the National Health Portal (NHP) website, about 7 in 10 children between 6 to 59 months of age have anemia, especially in rural areas.
He added that the National Deworming Day campaign is held in schools. The campaign is also held in the villages through Anganwadi centres, which are tasked with providing basic healthcare facilities in rural areas.
Throwing light on the uses of Albendazole, he said that it is a deworming medicine that is provided in tablet and syrup form as per the age and body weight of the child. This year the National Deworming Day campaign will run from February 10 to February 16.
He further said that Parasitic worms are a menace to society, both for people and animals. It is impossible to prevent worm infestation since children come in contact with soil while playing outside. Worm infestations can reduce the quality of life in children, stunt their physical growth and mental development.
Shah said that parasite worms may lead to poor productivity in schools, affect their attendance and hamper their education and future. Hence, timely and proper deworming of children is a necessity.
Underlining the need for timely and proper deworming of children, he said that effective measures are being taken to make every child worm free.
Among the others, the participants included Dr Mahmood H Bajjar Medical Superintendent and Mohinder Paul Administrative Officer and they also delivered lectures about the importance of the Day.