Towards Anaemia Mukt Bharat: National De-worming Day to be observed in Isles on Feb.10

     The Government of India is committed towards Anaemia Mukt Bharat and a worm-free future for the children of India. Worm infestation impairs the nutritional status of the children. The nutritional impairment has signification impact on growth and physical development. Worms consume nutrients meant for the human body and cause blood loss, poor nutrition and stunted growth. Due to heavy infection, children are often too sick or tired to concentrate at school or attend School/Anganwadi. Worm infestations negatively affect children's physical and cognitive development which could have long term negative impact on them. Studies show that absenteeism in schools decreases with regular deworming.

     In order to reduce the load of intestinal worms  which is a major cause of Anaemia and related morbidity in the country, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in co-ordination with Department of Women and Child Development and Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India has initiated National De-Worming Day (NDD)  all over the country, wherein all children and adolescents from 1-19 years of age are given de-worming tablet through the platform of Schools and Anganwadi Centres.

     National De-worming Day 2025 (February round) will be observed in A&N Islands on 10th  February, 2025 followed by Mop up on 17th  February, 2025. During this round, Albendazole Tablet will be administered at Schools and Anganwadi Centres.

      All parents have been requested to ensure that their children are administered Tab Albendazole in Schools and Anganwadi Centres.

      The general public have also been requested to extend their co-operation to ANMs, Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs and give wide publicity for effective implementation of the National De-worming Day, 2025 in A & N Islands, a press release from DHS said.