On account of National Deworming Day on August 10, the Health and Family Welfare Department will distribute deworming tablets to students aged between one and 19 years of age at all schools, District and Family Welfare Officer Dr Ramakrishna Rao said.
Addressing media persons here, he said that the department has already distributed the chewable tablets to all anganwadis and schools. Children, who have not obtained the tablets earlier, will be covered on August 10. Also, the school dropouts will be provided with the tablets on August 17, through Asha, anganwadi and junior health assistants.
The deworming tablets will be distributed for free in all government, aided and non-aided schools. The tablets should be taken after midday meals. The tablets should be consumed by chewing, Dr Ramakrishna said.
Half a tablet will be given to children aged between one and two years and 4,91,577 children in the district will be benefited by the scheme.
"The Deworming Day aims towards preventing anaemia and lack of nutrition among children. The children, who are affected by hookworms, whipworms and roundworms, come across problems, such as lack of concentration and weakness, as the worms are parasites which suck nutrients from the food consumed. The infestation of worms can be prevented by maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene. Also, clean water and food should be consumed," he added.