Srinagar, Mar 13 (KNO): As National Deworming Day was observed across the UT of J&K on Monday and children under 19 years of age were administered Deworming tablets at Schools and Anganwadi Centers free of cost.
A health official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that national deworming day was being observed in J&K and thousands of children were given deworming tablets at schools and Anganwadi centers.
He said that left-out children shall be dewormed on 20th March and it is being ensured to administer deworming tablets to all childrens of 1-19 year age group.
Doctors told KNO that children who have worms always feel tired because of malnutrition and anemia while they can have impaired physical and cognitive development.
They said that there is no need to panic as worm infection is easy to control but parents must keep vigil on their children and monitor their growth and other behavior as well.
They said untreated worm infections prevent children's healthy growth, cause poor nutrition and reduce their capacity to concentrate and learn.
"The treatment is simple, safe, effective and free of charge. A single dose of deworming treatment drastically reduces the number of worms in each child," they said.
"Worm infections can cause various health problems, including anemia, abdominal distention (swelling) or severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, etc. It can also cause loss of appetite, malnourishment, impaired mental and physical development as well as tissue damage that may require corrective surgery." Doctors said.
"Deworming improves your child's immunity, and thereby protecting him/her from chronic illnesses caused by worms,improves concentration and attendance, making them more productive in school, increases nutrient uptake and controls infections such as anemia, loose bowels, improves work potential and livelihood opportunity and can help in reduction of worm infection in the community," they said—(KNO)