National Deworming Day 2022: History, Significance and Theme

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National Deworming Day 2022: About 241 million children in India between 1 and 14 years of age are at risk of infections from Soil-Transmitted Helminths and resulting anaemia and other health issues.

National Deworming Day 2022: Parasitic worms or helminths, present in the soil, enter people and animals through the soles of their feet. These organisms can also infiltrate our bodies through worm-infested food or by touching infected faecal matter. The worms attach to the intestines and cause weakness, anaemia, indigestion, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. The worms may even enter the brain. Dewormers paralyse or kill adult worms. National Deworming Day is observed on February 10, to make people aware of the importance of deworming, particularly for children from 1 to 19 years of age, who are the most vulnerable.

National Deworming Day: History

About 241 million children in India between 1 and 14 years of age are at risk of infections from Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and resulting anaemia and other health issues. As per the National Health Portal (NHP) website, about 7 in 10 children between 6 to 59 months of age have anaemia, especially in rural areas. To remedy this situation, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Deworming Day initiative, in the year 2015. The first programme was conducted in February that year and has continued annually since.

The National Deworming Day campaign is held in schools. The campaign is also held in the villages through Anganwadi centres, which are tasked with providing basic healthcare facilities in rural areas. Albendazole is a deworming medicine that is provided in tablet and syrup form as per the age and body weight of the child. This year the National Deworming Day campaign will run from February 10 to February 16.

National Deworming Day 2022: Significance

Parasitic worms are a menace to society, both for people and animals. It is impossible to prevent worm infestation since children come in contact with soil while playing outside. Worm infestations can reduce the quality of life in children, stunt their physical growth and mental development. This may lead to poor productivity in schools, affect their attendance and hamper their education and future. Hence, timely and proper deworming of children is a necessity.