National Deworming Day 2024: Date, History, Significance; What is deworming and what is its purpose?

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National Deworming Day is celebrated every year on 10 February in India and its objective is to deworm all children between 1 to 19 years. The day, which is considered to be the world’s largest deworming programme, was launched in India in 2015 and aims to target around 240 million children. Risk of acquiring soil-transmitted helminths in India. According to WHO, intestinal worms or soil-transmitted helminthiasis are caused by infection with the nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), and Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanum (hookworm) and are among the most common infections in humans. . (Also read: Deworming pills will be given during a special campaign on February 1)

Worm infection can affect the absorption of nutrients in children and cause problems like anemia, malnutrition, and impaired mental and physical development.  (freepik)
Worm infection can affect the absorption of nutrients in children and cause problems like anemia, malnutrition, and impaired mental and physical development. (freepik)

Worm infection can affect the absorption of nutrients in children and cause problems like anemia, malnutrition, and impaired mental and physical development. The Government of India administers deworming pills through Anganwadi centers and schools in all states and union territories. While the first round is held on 10 February, it is followed by the second round on 10 August every year.

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Dr. Piyush Rankkhamb, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, in an interview with HT Digital answers frequently asked questions about intestinal worms and deworming.

What is deworming?

Deworming involves using medicine to remove worm infestation by eliminating the parasites or intestinal worms in the child’s body. Failure to take deworming pills or medication when it comes to children can result in soil-borne helminthiasis, a condition in which an accumulation of worms infests the human body. A widespread health risk, helminth infection is a significant threat to infant mortality.

Types of worms known to affect a child’s health

The three types of worms that infect people are roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale).

Why is it important to deworm a child?

Although the harmful effects of this worm infection may not be immediately apparent, over time it can become a serious threat to life. Persistent infection can have harmful effects on children’s development, nutrition, mental abilities and learning.

Causes of worm infection

Unhygienic practices such as walking barefoot on soil infested with worms, eating food with dirty hands, drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk, using unwashed vegetables in cooking or coming in contact with animals can lead to the risk of this infection. .

Important symptoms of worm infection in children

Symptoms of intestinal parasites include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, as well as fatigue, loss of appetite, dehydration, frequent urination, weight loss, redness or rashes in the buttocks area. Additionally, one may experience weakness, tiredness or hunger due to the presence of worms. Abdominal discomfort or pain and stools with traces of blood are also common symptoms that will require timely intervention.

Health risks associated with worm infection

Intestinal worm infections have a serious impact on the health of children, as these parasites eat away nutrients from their bodies, leading to poor nutritional status.

The most common result of worm infection is anemia, a condition in which worms that feed on human tissue and blood result in insufficient healthy red blood cells, leading to iron and protein loss.

Worm infection in children often results in reduced body weight and impaired growth. This worm causes malabsorption, which hinders the absorption of essential nutrients in the small intestine.

Some types of worms can reduce appetite, which affects the child’s physical health and cause symptoms such as diarrhea and dysentery.

How to prevent worm infection in children?

  • It is important for children to wash their hands before eating. Parents should make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables before cooking them.
  • Use filtered water for drinking and other purposes.
  • Keep your child’s nails trimmed and clean.
  • Children should wash hands before and after using the bathroom.
  • Avoid unhygienic habits like sucking fingers, biting nails or scratching your buttocks.
  • Always make sure baby’s food is covered.

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