Port Blair, Aug 10: With an aim to improve overall health, well being, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life of the children of Islands, the Union Territory Health Mission (UTHM) in association with the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, launched National De-worming Day in a function at G B Pant Hospital Auditorium, Port Blair, today. Shri K R Meena, IAS, Principal Secretary (Health), Andaman and Nicobar Administration was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He initiated the National De-worming Day by administrating Albendazole tablets to school children present on the occasion.
In his address, Shri Meena appealed to the mothers and the teachers of the isles to inculcate cleanliness habits in children. He highlighted that De-worming is an extension of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan started by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as cleanliness is very important for a worm free body.
Shri Meena informed the gathering that last time, about 94000 children were administered with Albendazole tablets i.e. 97% of the target was achieved. “This time we will achieve 100% target by reaching all the children including tribal children in the far flung areas of the isles”, he said.
Dr. H M Siddaraju Deputy Director Family Welfare briefed the gathering about the preparations being done by UTHM for De-worming of the Children. Children up to the age of 5 years will be administered with Albendazole tablets in all the Anganwadi Kendra whereas Children of the age group 6-19 will be administered with Albendazole tablets in all the schools”, he said.
He also 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 intestine. “By residing in the intestine, worms start sucking blood thereby leading to anaemia and malnutrition in children”, he said. “Such Children also lack concentration in study”, he added.
A CBNAAT Van to diagnose TB was also launched by the Chief Guest Shri K R Meena on the occasion. The Van will be used to reach interiors of the South Andaman to diagnose the occurrence of TB in the residents of the area, if any. Director of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. S P Burma was also present on the occasion. The event will be followed by mop up day on 17th August, 2018.
