Nationwide deworming week (22 Oct-27 Oct) in all primary schools has started. A massive primary school based deworming effort targeting approximately 29 million 5 to 12 years age children by the Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh .
In this week little doctors will distribute the Mebendazole (Vermox™) among all primary school aged children as well as out of school children. This huge number of mebendazole (Vermox™) treatments donated by Johnson and Johnson with supports of Children Without Worms (CWW) and World Health Organization (WHO). CWW promotes health and development of children by reducing intestinal worm infection through increase partner collaboration, advocacy and knowledge management.
Major soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) includes roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. STH is caused by lack of clean water and sanitation. Parasitic worms in children interfere with nutrient uptake, and can contribute to anemia, malnourishment, stunted growth, impaired mental and physical development. Mass school-based deworming is safe, cost-effective, and can reach to millions of children quickly.
Deworming has been shown to reduce absenteeism in schools, improve learning outcomes, and good health. Deworming programme for children of primary school age children in Bangladesh will dramatically reduce the harm caused by parasitic worm infections in millions of children. The STH Control Program under DGHS, MOHFW launching week-long school-based program to ensure intensive deworming coverage and targeted outreach children. Different Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities are also undertaken to create awareness among the school age children and ensure taking of deworming tablets.
