State achieves 86% in implementing deworming programme

Andhra Pradesh has achieved 86% success in implementing the deworming programme, with nearly 97.44 lakh out of the targeted 112.95 lakh children and adolescents being administered the medicine at educational institutions as part of the 19th National Deworming Day (NDD) on February 10, Monday.

The programme was organised across 681 mandals and 1,691 Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHC) in the State. All the frontline functionaries, including teachers and anganwadi workers, received extensive training before administered Albendazole tablets to all children, according to a release from the health department.

The programme, launched in the State in 2016, aims to reduce Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections in children aged between 1 and 19. Under the programme, children are given Albendazole 400 mg chewable tablet once every six months.

No adverse events were reported during the deworming process, the release said, adding that a ‘mop-up day’ has been scheduled for February 17 to ensure 100% coverage. The remaining 15.51 lakh children who missed the initial deworming session would be covered on February 17.