National De-Worming Day under National Health Mission launched across Nagaland districts.
Share
DIMAPUR — The first round of National De-Worming Day (NDD) under the aegis of National Health Mission (NHM) was held in various districts across Nagaland on Tuesday.
Kohima: The NDD programme was launched at Government Middle School, New Minister’s Hill, by Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, DPO (RMNCAH+N).
In his speech, Dr. Nakhro said that children suffer from several harmful health issues because of worm infection such as anaemia, nutritional impairment, loss of appetite, weakness and anxiety, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and blood in stool.
He informed that de-worming tablets will be given free of cost at schools and anganwadi centres targeting children aged 1–19 years.
He added that the direct benefits of de-worming control anaemia and improve nutritional uptake, while indirect benefits help improve immunity, concentration and capacity to learn, improve work potential and livelihood opportunity, and help break the transmission cycle resulting in lesser worm infestation in the community.
Mokokchung: The first round of NDD was held at Government Middle School, A and B Sector, in the presence of Dr. Limanaro, DPO (UIP&RCH).
Dr. Limanaro stated that soil transmitted helminths are a significant public health concern for India, since worms in children interfere with nutrient intake, contribute to anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development.
Dr. Suimzenla, RBSK MO, highlighted the significance of the day and encouraged students to take Albendazole medicine and maintain personal hygiene and a clean environment free from germs.
She also stated that children between the age group of 1 to 19 years will be administered a single dose of Albendazole tablets through schools and Anganwadi centres.
The programme concluded with the administration of Albendazole tablets and health screening by the RBSK team.
Read more local news: Nagaland charts green farming roadmap with Agriculture Policy 2025
Mon: The deworming campaign was launched at Konjong Higher Secondary School to protect children from intestinal worm infections caused by Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) and to promote better health and nutrition.
Delivering the thematic message, Dr. Lily Monyu, Medical Officer (RBSK), explained that STH are parasitic worms spread through contaminated soil, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. She noted that such infections can cause anaemia, malnutrition, fatigue, and poor concentration in children, affecting their growth and learning. Regular deworming, she said, helps eliminate these worms and improves children’s overall health and nutritional status.
Dr. Wungyong Konyak, District Programme Officer (RCH & UIP), also spoke about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, explaining that HPV can cause certain cancers, including cervical cancer.
Deworming tablets were later administered to the students as part of the campaign rollout.
Phek: The National Deworming Day (NDD) programme was launched at Bishop Abraham Memorial School, Phek town. Speaking at the launching programme, Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu, DPO RMNCHA+N, shared that NDD is observed twice a year followed by a mop up round, during which children aged 1-19 are provided free Albendazole tablets at schools and through AWWs to prevent worm infestation.
He stated that the initiative is one of the most powerful tools as it ensures children have the opportunity to grow up strong, smart, stay active and learn better in school.
Dr. Liezietsu also stressed the importance of practising good hygiene and encouraged students to remember the “Golden Rules” such as washing hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet, keeping nails short, and drinking clean water.
Tuensang: The first National Deworming Day (NDD) was launched at Trinity School, Tuensang town.
Medical Officer, RBSK, Dr. Tekawapangla highlighted the significance of the day, its aims and objective of NDD. She encouraged the students to maintain personal hygiene, a clean environment and to always use clean water in order to improve their overall health.
Medical Officer, RBSK, Dr. Thonti Chang gave awareness on HPV vaccination and demonstrated the hand washing technique.
Wokha: The deworming campaign was launched at Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School with Dr. Thungchangbeni Patton, Medical Officer, RBSK, as the resource person.
Dr. Patton said that worm infestation can lead to anemia and malnutrition in children. She advised the students to take Albendazole tablets which is distributed free of cost by the government for overall growth and development.
During the screening session, Hemoglobin test for 71 girl students, TD injection for 40 students and general health check up for 260 students were conducted. Albendazole tablets and folic acid tablets were distributed by the medical team.