Health minister JP Nadda declares 10 February as National Deworming Day

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda has declared 10 February as the National Deworming Day.

National Deworming Day is an initiative which is focused on reducing the threat of parasitic worm infections, a widespread health issue affecting over 24 crore children in India alone according to WHO estimates.

The day will be observed in 11 states and Union Territories including Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Haryana. The initiative will be aimed at providing Albendazole tablets to children (half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet for 2-19 years).

Nadda said that around 65% children will be covered under the programme on February 10 and the remaining will be covered between February 11 and 14.

He further added, “This is a very simple intervention and a very cost-effective technique. This would reduce the disease burden and will have healthy children.”