Port Blair, Feb 08: With an aim to improve overall health, well being, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life of the children of Islands, Union Territory Health Mission (UTHM) and Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration today observed National De-Worming Day in a function at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Port Blair. Principal Secretary (Health) Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Vikram Dev Dutt was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dutt exhorted all concerned departments to ensure achievement of 100% De-Worming target and none of the adverse affect goes unreported, if any. He also administered the first doze of albendazole to one of the student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School to mark the occasion.
In her address, Secretary Health A&N Administration, Ms Kriti Garg informed the gathering that about 95000 children and teenagers in age group 1 to 19 will be administered albendazole tablet in the isles during this year. “De-Worming Day will be followed by a Mop-Up Day on 14th of February, 2019 to ensure that none of the children is left without the intake of tablet”, she added.
Earlier, Dr Siddharaju, Joint Secretary (RCH-II) explained how the eggs and the larva of the worms enter human body from soil and start taking nutrition meant for the body by residing in the small intestine thereby leading to anaemia and malnutrition in children. “Such Children lack concentration in study and show lesser interest in physical activities like sports”, he added. He informed that children usually get infected by three types of worms i.e. hook, round and whip worms.
Secretary Education A&N Administration, Mr. D Manikandan also expressed his views on the occasion. Dr. A L Janardhan Director DHS welcomed the guest and invitees to the event. The Teachers and Students of Government Girls Senior Secondary School also attended the event.
During the mass De-Worming program, all children and teenagers between one to nineteen years of age in the country have been administered with albendazole tablet in similar events at Government, Government Aided and Private Schools and Anganwadi Cente
