S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), February 08, 2019: The State Level inauguration of National Deworming Day 8th February, 2019 Round was done here today done by Shri Amit Kumar, Special Secretary Health cum Mission Director NHM, Punjab at the Government High School Phase-II, SAS Nagar (Mohali). He administered the deworming medicine to the children of the Government School, Phase 2, and the Anganwadi centre.
Giving information about the campaign, Sh. Amit Kumar informed that National Deworming Day is observed in the month of February & August every year across the country as part of the National Health Mission. The objective is to increase awareness about worm infestation, their impact on health & cure and prevent further infections through deworming (Albendazole tablets).
The Mission Director NHM, Punjab further said that Worm infestation in children may lead to Anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development. He added that Albendazole tablets will be given after meal in single dose to all children of age 1 year to 19 years (1-2 years 200 mg & 2-19 years 400 mg) in Anganwadi Centres, Govt. & Govt. added schools and Private schools under the supervision of school teachers and anganwadi workers. Along with this an intensive awareness campaign is being carried out on information regarding benefits of de-worming along with counselling for improving dietary intake, adopting sanitation and hygiene practices, taking actions for prevention of intestinal anemia by School Nodal Teachers and Anganwadi Workers along with officers of Health Department.
Speaking on the occasion, Programme Officer- R.K.S.K. Dr. Sukhdep Kaur told that malnutrition, lack of balanced diet and worm infestation are the main causes of anemia. Worm infested children are often too sick or tired to concentrate on school activities. Prevention and control of anaemia with a de-worming tablet is universally recognized as a safe and cost effective solution and one of the key strategies to improve health of children and adolescents.
Earlier, Dr Rita Bhardwaj, Civil Surgeon, SAS Nagar addressed the gathering and said that Deworming improves Nutritional impairment, Anemia, loss of Appetite weight loss and reduce absenteeism. Deworming improve cognitive outcomes. Treated student continue to benefit a decade after the programme.
She also informed about the benefits of the deworming medicine, while interacting with the children present there.
Others present on the occasion included Dr Veena Jarewal, District Immunization Officer, SAS Nagar, Dr Manjit Singh, SMO, Civil Hospital, Phase VI, Mohali, Sh Shivinder Sehdev, State Programme Officer (IEC & Media), Dr Yogesh, Asstt. Programme Officer, Deputy Director, WCD, Sh. Harpal Singh, DPO Sh. Sukhdeep Singh, Principal of Govt School Phase V, Mohali Ms. Narpinder Kaur.