NATIONAL DEWORMING DAY - 2020

Worm infestation is a common health problem seen in preschool and school children. According to National Health Mission report of 2019, 836 million children are at risk of parasitic worm infection worldwide, 241 million children between the age of 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worm infestation in India. The Health Ministry has decided every year 10th February and 10th August is observed as the National Deworming Day. As part of the programme deworm tablets are distributed to the children in the schools and Anganwadi to deworm all children and reduce the problems related to worm infestation.

National Deworming Day was observed by the faculty of the department of community health nursing and students of second year PBBSc Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal on February 10, 2020, from 10 am to 12 pm at Madaga Anganwadi, Athrady, Udupi.

The programme began with the invocation by Ms Jenitha Shanthi D Almeida and team, followed by a welcome address by Ms Renvitha D Almeida. Ms Zareena Banu, the ASHA worker,  gave a brief talk on the importance of observing National Deworming day. A role play was enacted by Mr Sharath and the team, second-year PBBSc Nursing students on the significance of National Deworming Day. A health talk regarding the causes of signs and symptoms, management and preventive aspects of the worm infestation was delivered by Ms Smitha and team. An action dance on hand hygiene was performed by Ms Seema and team to inculcate hand hygiene in their daily life to prevent infection. Mrs Reshma, Lecturer, Department of community health nursing, addressed the common problems for children during the worm infestation and about its prevention.

Mrs Bhawani, Anganwadi teacher delivered a short speech regarding the deworming day. All the parents were asked to clear their doubts regarding the deworming treatment and many mothers interacted with students and clarified on myths about the deworming treatment.  Mr Shaikh Siraj Salim proposed the vote of thanks and overall programme was taken care of by the Master of the ceremony Ms Seema. There were 50 participants attended the programme. The overall programme was guided and supported by Mr Vinish V, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal.