Odisha’s Big Deworming Day: Over One Crore Children and Women to Get Medicine on August 10
On August 10, Odisha’s Department of Health and Family Welfare will deworm over one crore children and women. A follow-up round is set for August 17 for those who miss the initial dose. The campaign also includes a vitamin A supplementation program for children aged 9 to 60 months.
Details of the Campaign
Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, Director of Family Welfare, explained that during National Deworming Day (NDD), children aged 6-19 years and women aged 20-24 years will receive Albendazole tablets. Children aged 1-5 years will get age-appropriate Albendazole suspension at schools and Anganwadi centers, facilitated by teachers, Anganwadi Workers, and ASHAs.
Districts Covered
The NDD August 2024 round will be held in 19 districts: Balasore, Bhadrak, Bolangir, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Khurda, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nayagarh, Nabrangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, and Puri.
In 11 other districts, special measures will be taken. These districts are Angul, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Sundergarh. Here, children aged 1-2 years will receive Albendazole suspension under NDD.
Implementation Sites
All schools and Anganwadi centers will be the implementation sites for NDD. Private schools, playschools, childcare institutions, and academic institutions will also be included in this campaign.
Importance of the Initiative
Sourav Bhattacharjee, Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF, emphasized the importance of National Deworming Day. He said, “National Deworming Day is a vital initiative in safeguarding the health of our children and communities. This widespread initiative aims to improve the overall health, nutritional status, access to education, and quality of life of children and women of reproductive age.”
By providing access to deworming medication, the program aims to prevent the harmful effects of intestinal worms and foster healthier futures.
Doubts Revealed
Odisha -: Odisha is a state in eastern India, known for its rich culture and history.
Deworming -: Deworming is giving medicine to get rid of worms in the stomach that can make people sick.
One Crore -: One crore is a way to say 10 million in India.
Department of Health and Family Welfare -: This is a part of the government that takes care of people’s health and family needs.
Vitamin A supplements -: These are vitamins given to children to help them grow strong and healthy.
Albendazole -: Albendazole is a type of medicine used to kill worms in the stomach.
Anganwadi centers -: These are places in villages where children and mothers can get health and education services.
UNICEF -: UNICEF is a global organization that helps children around the world with health, education, and safety.
Sourav Bhattacharjee -: Sourav Bhattacharjee is a person who works for UNICEF and helps with programs for children.