Varanasi Deworms 18.5 Lakh Children

In Varanasi, a significant health initiative is set to take place on August 14. The National Deworming Campaign will administer Albendazole tablets to an estimated 18.5 lakh boys and girls, spanning ages 1 to 19 years. This widespread effort will reach students in government, recognized private schools, and madrasas, with teachers providing support.

Health officials emphasize that intestinal worm infections can lead to serious health issues like malnutrition and anemia in children, impeding their physical development. Deworming is vital for boosting children's overall health, nutritional status, and immunity, ultimately supporting better learning outcomes.

The campaign has set targets of approximately 7.4 lakh children in urban areas and 11.1 lakh in rural areas. Over 3,914 Anganwadi centers and 2,853 educational institutions are prepared for medicine distribution. Medical teams from RBSK and Urban PHCs, along with ANMs and ASHA workers, will support the program. Children not attending school and those from brick kiln worker families will also be included.

Dosage will be tailored, with children aged 1-2 receiving half a tablet and those over 2 receiving a full tablet. To ensure no child is missed, a mop-up round is scheduled for August 18.