National Deworming Day 2023

Highlights:

According to a World Health Organization estimate, India has over 241 million children at risk of worm infections, accounting for 28% of the global total
The government's goal for National Deworming Day is to make every child worm-free
It is critical to ensure that the worm is properly treated since if it goes untreated for an extended period, it can harm the child's health

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH), commonly known as parasitic intestinal worms, are a major public health concern in India. They are transferred through soil contaminated with feces. Several varieties of worms infect humans, including roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm. Worm infections are thought to affect approximately 22 million Indian children aged one to fourteen. Worms in children can cause anemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development by interfering with food intake.

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Tapeworms are a group of parasites that depend on humans for growth and cause intestinal infection in them. Tapeworm symptoms and signs include stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss.

‘On February 10, India observes National Deworming Day to eradicate Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH), also known as intestinal worms in people.’

National Deworming Day in Anganwadi and Schools

To address this issue, the Government of India established a fixed Anganwadi and school-based National Deworming Day (NDD) in 2015 to deworm all children aged 1 to 19 years. Every year on February 10, all states/UTs observe National Deworming Day, with a follow-up day on February 15. Depending on the presence of worms in their state/UT, several states/UTs also conduct a bi-annual round on August 10th.

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Make Every Child in India Worm Free

Every year, it is one of the largest public programs implemented on a single day, reaching millions of children and adolescents through two NDD rounds.

The day is an endeavor of the Government of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure that every child in the country is worm-free. Deworming is done through platforms of schools and Anganwadi facilities "to improve their general health, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life".

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Effects of Worm Infection in Children

Worm infection in children can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including a lack of personal hygiene, uncooked and contaminated food, and an excess of sweets and junk food consumption.

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Signs and Symptoms of Worm Infection

Abdominal discomfort
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bloating/gas - Fatigue
Unknown cause of weight reduction
Pain or soreness in the abdomen

Transmission of Worm Infection

Adult worms seek food and survival in the intestines. Every day, they lay thousands of eggs.
These eggs are passed in an infected person's feces.
Infected people who defecate outside transmit worm eggs into the earth.
These worms are inserted via vegetables that have not been thoroughly washed, boiled, or peeled.
They are also consumed as a result of drinking contaminated water.
These worms are swallowed by children via the dirt. Children play in the dirt before putting their hands in their mouths without first washing them.

Prevention of Worm Infections

Use sanitary restrooms.
Do not defecate in public.
Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom.
Put on slippers and shoes.
Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables in safe and clean water.
Consume properly cooked food.

Source-Medindia