'Deworming tablets to be given to 3.08L kids in Udupi'

Deworming tablets will be distributed to 3,08,070 children in Udupi district as a part of National Deworming Day on February 8, said Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis.

Addressing the gathering at Zilla Panchayat Hall, she said Albendazole anti-worm tablets would be distributed among children, in the age group of one year to 19 years, free of charge by the district administration.

"The tablet removes hook worm, whip worm and round worm in the body. The growth of worms in the children causes anemia. The worms cause malnutrition among children and curtails growth of children. All children in the age group of one year and 19 years should compulsorily take the tablets," she said.

Priyanka instructed the health department officials to ensure distribution of tablets to all children in government and private schools and Anganawadis.

ASHA workers will conduct door-to-door visit and explain about the precautions to be taken while taking the tablets.

Children, who are aged between one and two years will be given half tablet while children in the age group of two years to 19 years will be given a full tablet, she said.

As many as 77,722 children in Udupi district, in the age group of zero to five years, will be administered polio drops during Pulse Polio drive planned on February 3.

The deputy commissioner said the polio drops would be administered to babies in 677 immunization booths in the district. The first phase of the immunization will be conducted on February 3. Children from both rural and urban areas will be covered under this drive, she said.

The teams will visit houses on February 3 to ensure success of the drive.

The district administration is also ensuring that campaign also covers the children of migrant labourers.

Priyanka has sought the co-operation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to make the drive more effective and successful.