The National Deworming Day (NDD) was successfully launched at the block level and across various schools and Anganwadi Centres throughout South West Garo Hills district on Tuesday.
The initiative aims to improve children’s health and academic performance by eliminating intestinal worms in the age group of 1 to 19 years.
Deworming is conducted twice a year, with a follow-up mop-up round scheduled for April 22, 2025, to ensure that all eligible children receive the deworming medication.
Awareness activities were carried out in schools and Anganwadi Centres by trained teachers and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), highlighting the importance of deworming. They emphasized that regular deworming helps children stay healthy and strong, enabling them to attend school regularly and perform better. Worm infections can lead to frequent illness, anemia, and malnutrition, significantly affecting a child’s mental and physical development.
The official launch programme took place at Matalagre Government LP School and was led by Dr. Noreen Sangma, Nodal Officer for Maternity and Child Health. She was joined by Shirley Sangma, District Programme Manager (DPM), Senior Medical & Health Officer from Mellim PHC, along with other health staff, teachers, ASHAs, and AWWs.
Simultaneous launches were also conducted at Paglapara II by the Block Development Officer of Zikzak C&RD Block, and at KGBV School in Adugre in collaboration with the CDPO of Betasing C&RD Block. The Adugre event also included a celebration of Poshan Pakhwada, promoting nutrition awareness.
District Education Officials are actively monitoring the implementation of the program to ensure proper coverage and deworming of all targeted children.
