Medical team and others with students during the observance of National De-Worming Day at Government Middle School in New Minister’s Hill, Kohima on March 10.
Kohima, March 10 (MExN): The Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Kohima, in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), observed National De-Worming Day (NDD) at Government Middle School in New Minister’s Hill, Kohima on March 10.
The programme was chaired by Rokoseno Thapo, DCM, and witnessed the formal launch of the de-worming campaign. Addressing the gathering, Dr Khrievilhou Nakhro, District Programme Officer (RMNCAH+N), highlighted the severe health risks posed by worm infections in children, including anaemia, nutritional impairment, loss of appetite, weakness, anxiety, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and blood in stool.
Dr Nakhro informed that on National De-Worming Day, de-worming tablets would be administered free of cost at schools and Anganwadi centres across the district, targeting children in the 1 to 19 years age group. He emphasised the necessity of de-worming even for children who do not display symptoms of illness, citing both direct and indirect benefits.
“Direct benefits of de-worming include control of anaemia and improved nutritional uptake,” Dr Nakhro stated, adding that indirect benefits are enhanced immunity, better concentration and learning capacity, improved work potential, and livelihood opportunities. He further noted that the initiative helps break the transmission cycle, resulting in lower worm infestation rates within the community.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Katila Longchar, Medical Officer (RBSK).
